The potential of rope‐wick devices for direct contact application of herbicides in small‐scale farming in the tropics

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Abstract
The history of the development of ‘rope‐wick’ and comparable devices in North America and Europe is described. The range of designs is considered and their uses, advantages and disadvantages in large‐scale farming are discussed. Some of the major problems against which they are used in large‐scale farming should not arise in small‐scale farming, but the various ‘wipers’ could be of value for certain uses, particularly the safe application of herbicides to perennial weeds growing above or between crop rows. Some other potential uses are also noted which would be economic because the devices are much cheaper than hand‐held sprayers. Further developments in design are needed, however, to improve reliability of transfer of herbicide under varying conditions of climate and vegetation type.