PROTEK’S TWO-STEP ADVANCED WEED KILLER© FOR EFFECTICE CONTROL OF HARDY WEEDS
Most of the weeds we battle with in gardens, were brought along as humankind migrated all over the earth and settled in communities from where we expanded into one of the most abundant species on earth. Today, we battle with plant species in South Africa that are native to Europe, North and South America, and even from other parts of Africa, because we allowed these species to settle around us. Some species like kikuyu grass and common couch (kweekgras) are used for lawns but can become real pests if they invade paving and road verges where they are difficult to control. Broad-leaved weeds such as pigweeds (Amaranthus species) and khaki weed need no introduction and may cause severe crop damage if left uncontrolled.
Using a combination of active ingredients in a properly formulated herbicide not only wipe out weeds more effectively, but it prevents weed seeds from germinating and re-infesting treated areas.
Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer is one of those herbicides which combines the contact-systemic power of glyphosate with two triazine herbicides namely simazine and terbuthylazine. Glyphosate only kills weeds if it makes direct contact with their above-ground vegetative parts. It is very effective, but it cannot be absorbed by the roots of plants. Simazine is absorbed by plant roots and is translocated throughout the plant via the xylem while terbuthylazine is mainly a root absorbed herbicide. The advantage of the triple active ingredient system of Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer is that it kills weeds upon direct contact and prevents weed seeds from germinating successfully, plus it kills seedlings even before they emerge above the soil.
The product is best applied when weeds are actively growing. Addition of All Buff to buffer water is highly recommended to enhance the efficacy of Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer. Weeds and bare soil in between weeds should be sprayed to prevent seed from germinating.
Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer is specially recommended for keeping fence lines clear of weeds while paving and walkways benefit from the use of the product. Industrial yards like truck stops should also be targeted with Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer. Road verges that need to be weed free and crossings are also target areas for this combination product. Before laying new paving, do a proper, soaking treatment of the compacted soil with the herbicide to keep it sterile from invasive grasses and broad-leaved weed species.
WARNING TO HOMEOWNERS AND GARDENERS
Do not apply Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer to flower beds or vegetable gardens because the two triazine herbicide molecules stay active for as long as 24 months. Use Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer only where no ornamentals or veggies are grown.
TOXICITY, HAZARDS AND RISKS OF PROTEK’S TWO-STEP ADVANCED WEED KILLER
None of the active ingredients namely glyphosate, simazine and terbuthylazine are of any noticeable hazard or risk to mammals, birds or insects. They are all highly effective weed killer with a very low risk potential for people.
ALTHOUGH PROTEK’S TWO STEP ADVANCED WEED KILLER HAS A VERY LOW HUMAN AND ANIMAL RISK PROFILE, IT MUST BE USED ACCORDING TO THE LABEL’S SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
PROTECT INDIGENOUS PLANTS AGAINST HERBICIDE IMPACTS
One of the biggest mistakes made while applying herbicides, is to allow drift of the spray mixture onto non-target vegetation. Herbicide spray mixtures must be applied by course droplets, therefore spray nozzles must be adjusted to produce course droplets that do not produce a spray mist. When applying Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer close to indigenous plants or valuable ornamentals, always direct the spray away from such plants to the target area. Never apply Protek’s Two-Step Advanced Weed Killer in windy conditions; that means when the wind picks up speed, terminate application until the wind calms down to less than 10 km per hr (that is when plants just about move in the wind).
NEVER CROSS CONTAMINATE SPRAYS
Many people fail to properly decontaminate their spray equipment after herbicide applications, and next time they spray an insecticide or fungicide, the herbicide residues damage plants. A good principle to avoid such mishaps is to have a dedicated herbicide spray and a dedicated one for insecticides and fungicides. Mark each one clearly and don’t mix them up. Even if you have a dedicated herbicide spray, is it good practice to decontaminate it after use by rinsing three times with clean water (don’t forget to pressurise and clean the spray nozzle!).
IMPORT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO ADHERE TO WHEN USING PROTEK’S TWO-STEP ADVANCED WEED KILLER
- Never allow children or pets to be present while spraying the herbicide
- Use rubber gloves while mixing and applying the herbicide; wash hands after application
- Do not apply the apply the herbicide close to indigenous plants or valuable ornamental plants and cease application when the wind exceeds 10 km/hr
- Always keep the product stored behind lock and key out of the reach of children and pets