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Midwest

I have a hand-held pressure sprayer (about 1.5 qt.) that I use to apply insecticide, fungicide and foliar ferts. I usually spray top and bottom and by turning the leaf edge up/over to spray the bottom side. My question is how safe is this technique? Since I'm spraying fungicide or insecticide am I risking spreading diseases if they are on the leaves? Some of my leaves have turned brown at the edges. I'm spraying those too and not cutting them off. Is this a bad technique?
Greg

8/2/2005 1:38:22 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Greg,

How did I miss this?

It sounds like the spray wand might be too short. If so, a fly swatter or rug beater might help. Spraying your own hands isn't a good idea.

Brown leaves? Did they burn from spraying in the heat? Work only in the cool of early evening. If it stays warm & humid all night the spray might still be wet the following morning. If this is the case, wash it off with a garden hose & plan to treat again under better conditions. Wet spray in the morning will gradually concentrate as the water eveaporates leaving a "hot" residue that will burn in the heat of the day.

Hope this helps.

Steve

8/5/2005 9:35:46 PM

Midwest

Steve... That's true. I'll try to use something beside my hand to lift the leaves. I'm spraying sevin all over my hand/arm. After I'm done, i take a shower. A nice warm shower feels good after stooping/bending for 45min!

I'm guessing.. that the fungicide will counter diseases that may spread due to contact with my clothes, shoes, hands... In my patch, with the pattern I'm using, and the position of the vines, contact with the leaves is unavoidable.

I most definately appreciate your advise! Greg

8/6/2005 2:55:48 AM

Montoursville, PA

Save your pennies and ask the pumpkin fairy for a standard two gallon sprayer with a wand. I suggest stainless steel for a lifetime purchase....save replacement, of a pump maybe once, in ten years.

Absorbing those chemicals is very dangerous. You can not do that if you do not get it on yourself. Presently it seems you are taking a bath in the stuff. That is not good!

8/6/2005 10:07:46 AM

Midwest

Hmmm the pumpkin fairy (my wife) will definately bestow a new sprayer upon me when I tell her of the concern you've raised here. Last year, the pumpkin fairy (wife again) bought me Holland's DVD and How to Grow Giant Pumpkins II (and Biomin Calcium). Actually, that was for Christmas. I was gonna ask anyway because my birthday is right around the corner.
Thanks!

8/7/2005 3:06:14 AM