Content
Instructions for use of Nitrofen contain a description of the dosage and consumption rate for the treatment of fruit trees and shrubs. In general, it is necessary to prepare a solution of low concentration (2-3%) and water the soil with it in spring or autumn. This helps protect crops from weeds, insects and various diseases.
Description of the drug Nitrofen
Nitrophen is a drug with complex effects that has several properties:
- fungicide (protecting plants from fungal diseases);
- insecticide (protection against insect pests);
- herbicide (weed control).
Therefore, in the instructions for use, Nitrofen is called an insectofungicide.It is used to protect fruit and berry crops, including:
- raspberries;
- strawberries;
- strawberry;
- currant;
- peach;
- gooseberry;
- pear;
- grape;
- Apple tree;
- plum.
The name of the drug is often found in 2 types - “Nitrophen” and “Nitrafen”. Since its composition includes products of nitration reactions, the names of which begin with the root “nitro”, it is more correct to say “Nitrophen”. However, in any case, you need to understand that we are talking about the same product.
Composition of Nitrophen
The drug is produced by nitration of phenols extracted from coal tar (they are treated with concentrated nitric acid HNO3).
Nitrofen contains several active ingredients:
- Alkylphenols (organic derivatives of phenols): 64-74%.
- Water: 26-36%.
- Hydroxyethylated alkylphenols (OP-7 or OP-10): the remaining share (up to 3%).
Release forms
The release form is a thick dark brown mass with the consistency of a paste. It has a specific chemical smell. The drug Nitrofen is highly soluble in water, as well as in alkalis and ethers (organic low-molecular compounds in a liquid state). Therefore, it can be dissolved even in cold water and treated plants at any time.
Operating principle
Alkylphenols, which are part of the drug Nitrofen, act as antioxidants and plant growth stimulants. They prevent cell oxidation by free radicals and block dangerous chain reaction processes in plant tissues. Thanks to this, the green mass multiplies faster and increases resistance to various diseases, as well as to adverse weather conditions. Therefore, plants develop better and compete with weeds more successfully.
Hydroxyethylated alkylphenols (OPs) have the properties of surfactants. They adhere well to the surface and remain for a long time both on plants and in the soil. This explains the long-term effect of the drug Nitrofen. It is enough to carry out two treatments per season - in early spring and in mid-autumn.
What diseases and pests are they used for?
The drug Nitrofen helps to successfully protect fruit and berry crops from common diseases, including:
- scab;
- spotting;
- septoria;
- anthracnose;
- powdery mildew;
- downy mildew (mildew);
- curliness.
The product also helps cope with various pests:
- aphid;
- caterpillars of various types;
- scale insects;
- mites;
- leaf rollers;
- copperheads.
How to use Nitrofen for garden spraying
Nitrophen is used for spraying trees, shrubs, as well as berries in garden beds (strawberries, wild strawberries). The standard dosage is 2-3% solution, i.e. 200-300 ml of the composition is dissolved in 10 liters (standard bucket) of water. In some cases (severe insect infestation), the concentration is increased by 3-5 times.
When to treat the garden with Nitrofen
According to the instructions, Nitrofen is used for spraying the garden during the following periods:
- Early spring (before the buds begin to bloom).
- In mid-autumn (after leaves fall).
The use of the drug in late spring, summer and early autumn is undesirable, since the drops can burn the leaves, stems and flowers of plants. Therefore, it is better to use it only during those periods when the weather outside is relatively cool and there is short daylight hours.
How to dilute Nitrofen
Treatment with Nitrofen in spring and autumn is carried out according to general rules. To obtain a working solution you need:
- Measure the required mass depending on the concentration and the total volume of the solution.
- Dissolve in a small amount of water and stir thoroughly.
- Bring to the required volume and shake.
- Pour the liquid into a convenient container for watering or spraying.
Rules for processing with Nitrofen
It is better to perform the procedure in calm, dry, cloudy weather. In reviews, summer residents and farmers say that Nitrofen should be used for spraying with caution. Even getting the solution on your fingertips can cause a slight burn. Moreover, it is necessary to prevent droplets from splashing and getting into the eyes, nose, and other organs and parts of the body.
Residues of the drug should not be poured into the sewer. Therefore, it is better to prepare a solution in such a volume that it will be completely consumed at one time.
Instructions for use of Nitrofen for fruit trees
Fruit trees (including apple trees of all varieties, peaches, pears) are processed in accordance with the instructions for use of the drug Nitrofen. Use a 3% solution and prepare several buckets. To treat one mature tree, you need to spend from 10 to 30 liters of water. Water at the roots, as well as around the trunk. For young trees, 1 bucket (10 l) is enough, for seedlings - half a bucket (5 l).
Instructions for use of Nitrofen for grapes
Treatment of grapes with Nitrophen is carried out with a 2% solution. Consumption is 2.0-2.5 l per 10 m2 landing You can also use a 3% solution, the consumption is similar. Treatment is carried out in early spring 1 or 2 times.Double watering is necessary in cases where there was a large insect infestation the previous summer.
Application on other berry crops
The drug is also used to treat other berries:
- raspberries;
- strawberry;
- strawberries;
- currants of all varieties;
- gooseberry.
Spraying raspberries and other berries with Nitrophen is carried out in early spring. The concentration of the solution is 2-3%, consumption is from 1.5 to 2.5 liters for every 10 m2. In this case, it is necessary not only to water the soil, but also to spray the plantings themselves.
Using the drug in the garden
The instructions for use do not indicate that Nitrofen can be used to treat the soil in the garden, however, some farmers and summer residents in reviews suggest using the drug for these purposes (mainly to kill weeds).
In early spring, the soil is watered with a solution of a standard concentration of 3%. Consumption – 1 bucket per 50 m2 or 20 l per 100 m2 (per 1 hundred square meters). One-time watering helps prevent the growth of weeds - cress, wood lice and others.
Advantages and disadvantages
Judging by the reviews, Nitrofen for spraying has several advantages:
- Effective prevention and control not only of diseases, but also of insects and weeds.
- Long-term exposure: it is enough to carry out two treatments per season.
- Low consumption rates, economy.
- Affordability, especially in comparison with foreign analogues.
- Compatible with most other drugs.
- Versatility: can be used for fruit and berry crops, as well as for cultivating soil in the field or in the garden.
But there are also disadvantages. The most serious is the high danger of the substance. Precautions must be carefully observed during processing. It is not advisable for pregnant and lactating women, children and people with poor health to come into contact with the solution.
Compatibility of Nitrofen with other drugs
The drug is compatible with most other fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. Therefore, it can be used in tank mixtures or carried out separately with a break of several days. The product dissolves well in alkaline and aqueous solutions and does not precipitate.
Safety precautions when processing with Nitrofen
The drug belongs to hazard class 2 - it is a highly dangerous substance. Therefore, processing is carried out using gloves and special clothing. It is advisable to wear a mask to prevent drops from getting into your eyes and nasopharynx (the product has a specific smell).
During processing, strangers, including children and pets, should not be allowed into the area. Smoking, eating and drinking are excluded. In case of unforeseen situations, it is necessary to take immediate assistance measures:
- If liquid gets on an area of the body, wash it with soap and water.
- If Nitrofen solution gets into the eyes, rinse them for 5-10 minutes under moderate pressure of water.
- If liquid gets inside by mistake, you need to take 3-5 tablets of activated carbon and wash them down with plenty of water.
If various symptoms occur (itching, burning, burns, pain in the eyes, heaviness in the abdomen and others), you should immediately seek medical help.
Back in 1988, the countries of the European Union introduced a legislative ban on the use of Nitrofen for treating fruit trees, berries, vegetables and watering the soil to kill weeds. Studies have been conducted that have shown that active substances with prolonged contact can cause the development of cancer. Therefore, the drug was recognized as a carcinogen.
How can I replace Nitrofen?
Nitrophen can be replaced with analogues - drugs with similar effects:
- Oleocuprite is a product that is obtained from organic copper salt (naphthenate) and petroleum oil. Effectively copes with various diseases and pests, including helping with spotting and scab, destroying aphids, ticks and copperheads.
- Copper sulfate is a long-proven remedy that helps well in the prevention and treatment of various types of spotting, septoria and other fungal infections.
Conclusion
Instructions for use of Nitrofen describe the composition, dosage and rules for using the drug. It is very important not to violate established processing standards and deadlines. Watering is carried out in early spring and mid-autumn. Otherwise, the liquid may burn plant tissue, which will affect yield.