Magazine - New Improved InjectorDos for easier dispatch of Japanese Knotweed

By Dr Terry Mabbett in Industry on 29th Jun 2011 11:00

'Death by lethal injection' awaits weeds with the new improved InjectorDos from Micron Sprayers, a pesticide applicator specifically designed for the direct introduction of herbicide into hollow-stem weeds of which Japanese Knotweed (JKW) remains the most widespread and damaging.

The latest version of InjectorDos features a new metered volume dispenser and trigger for easier operation. The reduced amount of pressure required to operate the trigger makes the new InjectorDos less tiring to use for repetitive applications. The streamlined unit design allows better access to the base of JKW stems in the cramped and difficult to work situations invariably presented by dense JKW growth.

The InjectorDos applicator features a sharp robust needle which penetrates tough full grown JKW stems with a minimal force required. Equipped with an exit hole for the herbicide two-thirds of the way from the tip and 10mm from its circular brass base, the needle passes right through the mature stem until stopped by the base making contact with the outside of the JKW stem.

This positions the herbicide exit hole inside the hollow centre of the stem into which the herbicide is injected. A second shorter and finer needle is provided for smaller diameter and less robust hollow-stems of JKW or other weeds such as Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

InjectorDos design also includes a 'dial-in' facility which allows operators to dispense a pre-determined metered volume of herbicide formulation between 0.1ml and 2ml per shot. Generally a single 2 ml shot of glyphosate is injected just below the first stem node up from soil level, as near as possible to the ultimate target of the underground stem or rhizome.

The latest InjectorDos version is packed with operator friendly features which include a more compact and robust one-litre backpack, a comfortable shoulder strap and a funnel. Liquid supply from the backpack can be easily shut off, disconnected and isolated from the applicator using an in-line tap. Additionally, the InjectorDos has chemical resistant seals. By using the InjectorDos there is no loss of herbicide product into the environment and the unit is simple to clean and maintain.

The metered volume dispenser and trigger, two needles and a plastic needle protection cap fit safely and securely into a neat and securely fastened black carrying case.

JKW stems can be injected with herbicide at any time but late summer is the ideal time to carry out the operation. It is when JKW plants start to 'recycle' food and nutrients from the foliage and into the rhizomes (underground stems). Soluble food and nutrients undergo basipetal translocation (movement) down the aerial stems and into the rhizomes for storage during winter and to support new growth in the following spring.

Herbicide injected into the aerial stems as near to the rhizome as possible (i.e. just below the first node) from late summer and through autumn, until the first killing frost, is carried along the same route down into the rhizomes which are killed.

At this time, aerial stems will also have attained a diameter which the new standard needle is designed to accommodate. With this achieved, the exit hole will be fairly and squarely inside the hollow stem.

The InjectorDos meets all the specifications and requirements for a lightweight, highly-portable, easy to use and safe herbicide applicator to control of JKW.

An affordable and self-contained solution, it is ideal for landowners, contractors and local authorities looking to eliminate JKW as easily, quickly and cleanly as possible.

Read more articles in Industry, by Dr Terry Mabbett or from June 2011.