Standardization of Field Methods for Determination of Insecticide Spray Droplet Size.

摘要

Spray droplet spectra determine insecticide efficiency, costs and the extent of ecosystem contamination. This research has developed new, significant analytical systems for spray spectra determination in the laboratory and field. Key factors were (1) production of monodisperse (single size) droplets using a Berglund Liu sonic-type droplet generator, (2) development of a spray droplet harp for zero critical impingement studies of spray droplets larger than 10 microns diameter, and (3) calibration studies of teflon coated slides useful as an adjunct impingement system. Critical impingement velocity (CIV) considerations have been studied. Results show that static (low velocity) impingement of sprays (in the field or in the laboratory) on Kromecoat cards or glass 1x3 slides give analytical artifacts instead of viable spray distribution data. Where critical impingement velocity considerations are significant, low velocity (static) impingement data are misleading at best and at worst, are serious research artifacts. Such impingement artifacts foster spray systems which contribute mainly to gross insecticide application inefficiency.