Manual devices and methods for selective application of chemical

Abstract

Hand-held chemical applicators are provided for applying chemicals such as herbicide to selected plants while surrounding plants are shielded from accidental contact. The chemical is forcefully applied by gripping or pressing a selected portion of the plant against an applicator pad containing the chemical. The amount of applied chemical is controlled by variation of the pressure or area of contact between the plant and the pad. Preferably a pair of pads are mounted to the opposing surfaces of the distal portions of pincers or tongs to define an application zone between the pads. Absorbent pads are used for applying liquid chemicals, and chemicals from a pad in the form of a solid bar or cake are applied with the aid of an absorbent pad carrying a solvent and cooperating with the bar or cake. In an alternative embodiment a single applicator pad mounted to a holder is shielded by a resilient flat strip which is deflected by the selected plant to open up an application zone, or alternatively which is normally in an open position and is manually pressed toward the selected plant, and the applicator pad is covered by a cap between periods of use so as to seal a self-contained reservoir of chemical in the holder. The hand-held applicators are also useful for cleaning artificial plants.