A simple, hand-held, plastic liquid injector for trees bears a likeness to an overgrown syringe and  works on much the same principle. The system is said to be a cost efficient method for injecting insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and trace elements into any limb or trunk of 2 in. diameter or greater. After an injector has been filled by submerging its tip in solution and pulling up on the spring-loaded " T " handle which is then twist locked, it is ready to be tightly inserted into a pre-drilled hole and unlocked. The internal spring then applies steady pressure delivering the injector's contents, usually in 5 to 45 minutes depending on weather and sap viscosity. Once empty, The Chemjet® injectors with their bright red handles are easily seen, quickly retrieved, cleaned, and ready for use again.

•  Chemjet® syringe injectors

•  Chisel (only needed for large bark furrows)                                

•  Cordless drill with a 11/16’ or a 4.2 mm high speed drill bit 

•  Phosphite (VITAL®) Potassium Phosphite K2HP03

•  2 ½ gallon bucket for loading & carrying syringes PREPARATION

PREPARATION

•  If using 20 % phosphite -Dilute 1 part phosphite with 4 parts water

•  If using 30 % phosphite -Dilute 1 part phosphite with 2 parts water

30% solution : 11oz Potassium Phosphite + 21 oz of water makes 1quart.

Use a good quality water source, preferably spring water or rain water.
 

Photos and illustrations - Copyright Chemjet Trading Pty,Ltd, Australia
Injectors, 2 1/2 Bucket, Gloves, Phosphite

SAFETY : Phosphite (phosphonate a biodegradable fungicide) has a toxicity similar to table salt. It will sting eyes and cuts, but causes no permanent damage. It may irritate sensitive skin, so wear elbow length PVC gloves, safety glasses and old clothes when injecting. •••Take care when using sharp equipment such as drills and chisels.

TIMING: Injection is most effective in spring, summer & autumn, on warm, sunny mornings. Avoid injecting on days over 90°F. In northern California, two applications per year are recommended , one in November or December and a follow up treatment approximately 6 month later. Preventative treatment, before infection as occurred, has been found to be more effective than curative treatments.

Step 1 Carefully load the chemjet syringes from a bucket that contains the diluted phosphite solution. Immerse the tip of the syringe in the phosphite solution and pull the plunger back slowly to minimize any air bubbles forming in the syringe. Twist the plunger to leave syringe in the cocked position.

Step 2 When injecting, if the bark furrows are deep, remove only enough of outer bark to get a good seal with the syringe. A chisel can be used, however this is not broadly recommended as it can cause unsightly scars. If using a chisel be careful not to go deeper than the bark tissue.

Step 3 Drill a hole into the tree trunk. Injection needs to be into the sapwood, so don't drill any deeper than 1 1/4” inch. Drill the hole at waist height so that it is comfortable to inject, and at a slight downward angle. Do not inject trees under 2 ½” diameter, they will need to be sprayed with a lower rate of phosphite.

Note: The syringe will penetrate the sap wood only about ½ inch for a proper seal. If weeping occurs, with the open palm of your hand, apply a gentle but firm nudge to seat the syringe a little deeper into the sap wood. The screw thread is for added strenght for the nozzle

Step 4 Drill a hole every 4 inches around the tree trunk (this is approximately one hand width). Multi stemmed trees need holes in each trunk.

Step 5 Insert syringe nozzle into the drilled hole avoiding any twisting to prevent damage to the syringe tip. Using a 11/64” or a 4.2 mm drill bit you will not need to the use the thread at the top of the syringe tip (it is to provide strength to the nozzle). Gently push the syringe tip into the hole to get a good seal. It will seat within 1/2 inch into the xylem or sap wood.  Release the plunger from the cocked position. As mentioned above, you may have to give the red plunger handle a gentle nudge with the palm of your hand to help get a better seal.

Step 6 Under ideal conditions the syringes should be finished injecting in 5-45 min. Note that trees can vary on the time taken to be injected depending on the species, time of day and weather conditions. If significant leakage occurs try injecting into another hole or delay injection to another day. Remove syringes once all the phosphite has been injected. Potassium Phosphite is highly mobile in trees due to lacking one oxygen molecule, and will move bi-directional both in the vascular system and the phloem.

Step 7 Count the syringes before use to ensure that none are lost while injecting. After use clean the syringes with warm soapy water, rinse in clean water. A regular application of silicon spray inside the syringe's chamber will ensure they will inject smoothly. Syringes should be disassembled at least once a season and cleaned using the manufacturers instructions. To open up the syringe, it is far safer to use a tea spoon rather than a screw driver to unlock the two catch locks on each side of the syringe. The screw driver may slip and inflict injury to your hand.

Repeat injection in six months after the first application, and every subsequent year as needed

 TO ORDER PHOSPHITE: Phoenix Environmental Care, P.O. Box 370, Valdosta, GA 31603-0370 www.phoenixenvcare.com Toll: 1.888.241.8845 - Mobile: 1.229.563.4344 - Fax: 1.866.584.4070 PRICE $30.00/Gal 2 x2 ½ Gal per case.

Chemjet Micro Injection:    http://www.oakwilt.com/oakwilt/macroinjection.htm

Scenic Hills Nuirserry - WARRANTY DISCLAIMER : http://www.scenichillsnursery.com/disclaimer.html