Testing and Listing of Drift Reducing Sprayers in Germany D. Rautmann Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Application Techniques Division, Messeweg 11-12, D-38104 Braunschweig

Drift is one of the main paths of plant protection products to non-target organisms. In Germany great efforts are made to reduce drift. Therefore sprayers are tested concerning their drift reducing ability in relation to the German basic drift values which have been determined on the basis of more than 180 drift trials with conventional sprayers. A classification system with classes of at least 50 %, 75 % or 90 % drift reduction has been introduced. Sprayers which meet the requirements of the German guideline are listed in the list of drift reducing sprayers. Nearly all of the listed sprayers are equipped with air induction nozzles to produce large droplets. In orchards and hops additional measures are necessary to achieve the respective drift classes.