North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Rodney" <reveland@collinscom.net>]

I came across this website quite by accident.

http://scarab.msu.montana.edu/extension/MT_PAT/Info/watereffects.htm

Here is an interesting excerpt:


As a general rule of thumb, the ideal pH for water used in spraying 
pesticides is slightly acidic (pH 4 -6). However, there are always 
exceptions. Make sure to read the label of the pesticide you intend to use 
as there are always some exceptions. For example, some herbicides have been 
known to break down in a sprayer tank when the pH is too acidic (pH less 
than 7). The sulfonylureas such as Ally, Escort, Amber, Harmony Extra, 
Express, and Accent may inactivate if left in the sprayer tank mixed in 
acidic water. Higher temperatures will also cause these herbicides to 
inactivate at a higher rate.

Insecticides and fungicides, on the other hand, have been shown to break 
down in water that has a high pH (alkaline). This means that an insecticide 
begins to break down once mixed with high pH water in the sprayer tank. 
Fungicides such as Benlate, Bravo and Captan can also inactivate quickly if 
left in the spray tank in an alkaline water source


This might explain why some folks get very different results than others 
when using the same product. I never paid attention to the labels to see the 
part about the ph of water. Did you?

Rodney Eveland

Northeast Wyoming