Slasher Organic Weedkiller (Nananoic Acid)

Tips For Use

General Instructions:

• Slasher Organic Weedkiller is a natural contact weedkiller containing pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid).
• Pelargonic acid occurs naturally in plants including geraniums.
• It acts on the  foliage, causing it to quickly dehydrate and collapse.
• Results are seen as browning and wilting usually within 1 hour of application.
• Visible results can take longer than 1 hour on certain  tough weeds or weeds in shaded conditions.
• For best results, apply when temperature is over 10°C.
• To be effective, Slasher Organic Weedkiller must come into contact with the green  parts of the plant.
• Slasher Organic Weedkiller will control many weed species and is non selective.

Mixing: 

• Half fill the spray tank and commence agitation.
• Slowly add required amount of Slasher Weedkiller.
• Top up with required quantity of water.
• Agitate well before commencing spray procedure and occasionally agitate (shake) the sprayer every 5-10 minutes to keep the slasher well mixed in the spray water.

Application: 

• Ensure that all weed foliage is totally covered with spray as Slasher Weedkiller is a contact spray only. Partial coverage will give only partial control.
• Apply by ground equipment only using for example boom or spot sprayers.
• Apply using a coarse droplet spray.
• Optimum application volumes are related to weed maturity and density.
• Contact with the weed is essential for control, as such apply in a way to ensure complete and thorough coverage  of foliage.
• Do not spray porous surfaces without prior testing.
• May cause discolouration on porous hard surfaces.

Restraints: 

• Do not spray if weeds are wet or if rainfall is expected before spray deposits dry on plant surfaces
• Do not water treated area for 24 hours to achieve maximum results
• Do not apply if heavy rains or storms that are likely to cause runoff from soil are forecast within 3 days of application.
• Do not allow spray to contact or drift onto plants you do not want killed.

Precautions: 

• Wear eye protection when mixing or using.
• Re-Entry Period – Do not enter treated areas until the product has dried.

Safety Directions: 

• Will irritate the eyes and skin.
• Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
• When opening the container and preparing spray wear cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist (or equivalent clothing), elbow-length chemical resistant gloves and face shield or goggles.
• When using the prepared spray wear gauntlet-length chemical resistant gloves and goggles.
• Wash hands after use.
• After each day’s use wash gloves, face shield or goggles, and contaminated clothing.

First Aid: 

• If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 131126, New Zealand 0800 764 766.
• If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
• If skin contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly.
• If in eyes, hold eyes open, flood with water for at least 15 minutes and see a doctor.
• For further information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Slasher Organic Weedkiller Questions & Answers

What Is Nonanoic Acid?

Nonanoic acid (Pelargonic acid) is produced naturally in plants when the fatty acid Oleic acid is oxidised by stress associated free radicals to form Pelargonic acid. When left unchecked Pelargonic acid denatures internal cells walls eventually causing plant death. Slasher Weedkiller does the same thing when sprayed on the outer epidermal layers of plants. 

What Makes Slasher Weedkiller Different to Other Nonanoic (pelargonic Acid) Based Sprays?

Commercial production of Nonanoic acid for industrial use normally involves 100% synthetic petrochemical processing. Other processes involve ozone based oxidation of animal fats. The Pelargonic acid in Slasher Weedkiller is produced in a “nature identical” process from GMfree plant oils using the same free radical oxidation reaction that occurs in plants.

Will Slasher Weedkiller Kill All Weeds Including Woody Weeds?

Slasher Weedkiller will rapidly kill small weeds with a large surface area and small root system. However, if a weed has enough stored carbohydrates in its roots, rhizomes or stems it can reshoot. Hence you may need to re-apply more than once within 7-10 days after the initial spray. Larger weeds including woody weeds may need more than 1-2 sprays to kill the plant.

Why Is There a Warning that Slasher Weedkiller Should Be Tested on Porous Surfaces Before Spraying?

Slasher Weedkiller is a very good penetrant and is easily absorbed by porous surfaces. Spraying on porous pavers, tiles or concrete may cause a slight change in the colour because of this penetration. A colour change can also occur because algae and moss is killed in the treated area. It is best to treat a small area to see how much discolouration will occur before spot spraying over these types of surfaces. Glazed tiles or recently sealed pavers or concrete do not pose any risk.

Can Slasher Weedkiller Be Used in Organic Crops and What Does the Restricted Organic Input Logo Mean?

Yes, Slasher Weedkiller can be used on all organic crops grown for Australian consumption as long as the following condition is met: Slasher Weedkiller can be used where mechanical cultivation, mulching and mowing, grazing, flame/steam weeding or biological control is deemed ineffective. Under this definition SLASHER Weedkiller is a Restricted Input.

Can I Use Slasher Weedkiller on Certified Organic Produce Destined for Usa or Japan? 

Pelargonic acid remain a Prohibited Input in these export destinations and until we are successful with a direct petition to JAS or USDA-NOP and a decision is reached on its acceptability we have an obligation to advise customers that it is not yet approved under NOP or JAS standards and should not be used on these crops. Consult your Organic Auditor for advice regarding other export destinations.

There Is a Restraint About Not Watering Treated Plants for 24 Hours to Achieve Maximum Results. Do I Need to Leave It that Long Before Irrigating?

Commercial trials have demonstrated that Slasher Weedkiller has an irreversible effect on plant vegetation within minutes of application in full sun. However, under certain conditions like shaded areas, very overcast or cold weather we suggest at least 2-3 hours delay before applying any water to the surface of treated plants.

There Are Restraints on The Label About Not Applying to Soils Within 3 Days of Rain or Irrigation that Is Likely to Cause Run-Off.  What Does This Mean?

The APVMA environmental assessment of Pelargonic acid pointed to a potential unknown effect on a sediment dwelling invertebrate called Daphnia. There is a theoretical risk that large amount of sediment from fallow paddocks sprayed with Slasher Weedkiller could run-off into ponds harbouring such creatures and could potentially impact on their survival. Because of this unknown effect a soil run-off restraint was placed on SLASHER Weedkiller. There are no spray drift restraints or any other aquatic based restrictions. It is not toxic to fish or any other organisms in aquatic environments when used as directed.

Will Slasher Weedkiller Leave Residues in The Soil Like Some Other Herbicides?

No – all the ingredients in Slasher Weedkiller are 100% biodegradable and will only last a few days on the soil surface. SLASHER Weedkiller will not translocate through plant roots so poses no risk to other plants. It effectively has a zero plant and soil residue profile.

The Label States that Slasher Weedkiller Is Not Compatible with Ipm Programs Utilising Beneficial Arthropods?

Slasher Weedkiller has excellent cuticular penetrating properties. Insects that might be harbouring in weeds at the time of spraying with Slasher Weedkiller will be killed. Hence, a “non-target arthropods” warning was placed on Slasher Weedkiller including the statement about beneficial insects which also may be in the weeds at the time of spraying. This is a positive side effect for growers with crops who have problems with aphids, whitefly and thrips that spend time in weeds before migrating to the crop.

Can Slasher Weedkiller Be Used as An Organic Crop Desiccant or Spray Topper?

Slasher Weedkiller is not APVMA registered as an organic crop desiccant but it will burndown post-crop vegetation to stop seeds developing and leaves no lasting residues.