Under what circumstances are foliar sprays appropriate and not appropriate?

• A. Foliar sprays should always be applied underwater.
• B. Foliar sprays are best for large brush; aerial application.
• C. Foliar sprays are used only on soil.
• D. Foliar sprays are not recommended for large brush due to drift; should be applied from the ground close to the plant; can be broadcast or spot.

Answer: (D)

Foliar sprays are pesticides applied to the leaves to contact pests or be absorbed through the foliage. They work best when you can thoroughly wet the leaf surface on plants that you can reach from the ground with minimal wind or drift. Large brush creates a tall, uneven target and increases the chance that droplets will drift off-target, especially if you tried aerial applications. That’s why, for large brush, foliar sprays are not appropriate; they should be applied from the ground close to the plant to minimize drift, and you can either broadcast over an area or spot-treat individual plants. Foliar sprays aren’t applied underwater or to soil, because their purpose is to work on the foliage.