The idea is not new. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the rope wick applicator was developed following the introduction of glyphosate. Although Western Australian tests with rope wick applicators showed reasonable control when applying glyphosate on cape tulip, bracken and rushes, rope wicks were not widely used. Blanket wipers have been developed as an alternative to rope wick applicators. Herbicide is transferred from the wiping surface to the target plants.
Materials used for blankets vary widely and include hessian bags, felt and car upholstery fabric.
Advantages Increased operator and environmental safety, because there is no spray drift, unlike conventional sprayers. Less herbicide is wasted on non target plants, because it is only applied to taller weeds. Critical times of herbicide application are not lost due to unfavourable windy conditions. Homemade units are cheap and simple to construct. Units can be mounted on the front or rear of a vehicle or towed behind the vehicle.