Innovative technologies for the precise application of pesticides in orchards and vineyards

摘要

Applying pesticides on-target requires the sprayer to be adjusted correctly. Airflow is often the greatest culprit in creating drift and excessive airflow can be reduced simply by shutting down the fan speed. Drift reduction of 75% was obtained by simply shutting down tractor power take off and fan speed by 25%. An inexpensive deflector design for "fish-tail" sprayers directed spray plume into the canopy and improved deposition throughout the grapevine canopy. An in-depth study often orchard sprayersfitted with sonic sensors is demonstrating savings up to 19% in pesticide use, depending upon tree size, leaf wall and growth stage. A large sample size is providing valuable information on the economics of sensor sprayers. Vertical patternators providea most useful tool for both researcher and grower in allowing repeatable tests and optimising nozzle orientation for canopy height and shape.