How to Apply Fungicides Safely

Fungicides are used in the garden to control plant diseases such as black spot on roses, cedar-apple rust, cherry leaf spot and botrytis blight, to name a few. Fungicides are usually applied with a pressurized garden sprayer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1-gallon Garden Sprayers
• Pesticides
• Neoprene Gloves
• Pollen/dust Masks
• Safety Clothing
• Safety Goggles
• Safety Goggles
• Neoprene gloves

1. Test the sprayer every time you use it. Fill it with water, pump up the pressure and test to see that the nozzle is not plugged. Release the pressure by unscrewing the lid slightly.

2. Remove the lid. Leave the testing water in the tank.

3. Measure the amount of fungicide exactly and according to label directions. Add the fungicide to the water in the sprayer. Rinse the measuring device by adding more water to the tank to make up the balance.

4. Screw on the top, being careful not to cross the threads. Tighten so that the pressure will not escape from the tank.

5. Pump the handle to increase the pressure inside the tank.

6. Spray the plants, making sure to cover both upper and lower sides of the leaves. There needs to be visible moisture on the leaves for the applied material to work.

7. Spray out all of the material in the tank. Don't leave any unused fungicide in the tank.

8. Clean the empty tank over a dirt area, never over concrete or in a sink. Rinse the tank three separate times, spraying clean water through the nozzle each time.

Tips & Warnings

• Use organic fungicides as a first step. Baking soda, sulfur powder and copper/oil sprays are very effective against most fungus diseases.
• Keep the area under your plants raked up and clean to prevent fungus diseases in the first place.
• Keep plants pruned and spaced correctly so that they have maximum air circulation, which discourages fungal disease.
• Although effective, fungicides are among the most toxic chemical in your garden arsenal and should be handled with extreme caution.
• Never mix more chemicals than you intend to use at one time.
• When spraying fungicides, wear protective clothing, including safety goggles, respirator, neoprene gloves and long sleeves.
• Never carry a sprayer by the hose; always use the handle. Hoses will work themselves loose if not treated with care. Check hose connectors frequently.
• Keep a dedicated set of measuring tools in the garden shed - don't use measuring tools from your kitchen for fungicides.