A liquid applicator (10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) having (i) a container (ii) for containing a supply of liquid in use a positive displacement pump (12) in fluid communication with the container (ii) which has a variable capacity chamber for delivering a metered or measured dosage of liquid (iii) a support housing or tube (19) which Is in flow communication with the positive displacement pump (12) and a contact device (20, 46A, 60) located adjacent to the support housing or tube (19) which is in flow communication therewith wherein metered amount(s) of liquid are delivered to a plant or other substrate. In another variation the positive displacement pump (12) Is replaced by a pump such as a bellows type pump (68) which also functions as a container for the fluid.