In contrast to the relatively wide range of droplet sizes produced by hydraulic nozzles, controlled droplet application (CDA) involves atomisation where an appropriate droplet size is selected to optimise deposition on the intended spray target (Bals, 1975b;Matthews, 1977). Fraser (1958), Himel (1974 and others had previously stressed the need for a nozzle that produces a narrow spectrum of droplet sizes to avoid losses caused by off-target spray drift or run-off or both (i.e. minimising 'exo-drift and endo-drift'). Bals (1969) pioneered the development of rotary nozzles for agricultural use, which achieved relatively narrow droplet spectra and later the term CDA was coined (probably by John Fryer, previously of the UK Weed Research Organisation) to differentiate the question of droplet size from the use of formulations sprayed at ultra low-volume rates. Minimising spray drift is a crucial issue in pesticide application and Gilbert and Bell (1988) demonstrated that rotary atomisers could substantially reduce the potential for exposure to fine droplets in comparison with conventional hydraulic nozzles, 50 m downwind of the spray line.Controlled droplet application as a concept developed from an obvious need for greater efficiency when applying sprays at ultra low-volume (ULV) rates of application. It should be emphasised that the two terms are not necessarily synonymous, but are frequently interchanged since the homogeneity of droplet size (CDA) enables effective ULV spraying; with volume application rates of only 0.5-3 litres of spray per hectare, it is essential to avoid large droplets that waste a high proportion of the pesticide (see Chapter 4).Several laboratory and glasshouse studies subsequently demonstrated that smaller droplets are also more efficacious for arthropod pest control than larger ones (e.g. Adams et al., 1990). 30-60 μm droplets were usually optimal with oil-based spray deposits, but 60-120 μm was most efficient with aqueous droplets, so formulation is also a key factor (see p. 257). A review of droplet size and carrier volume suitable for foliage-applied herbicides is given by Knoche (1994).Controlled droplet application at ULV rates has been widely adopted in semi-arid areas where water supplies are poor and prevent widespread adoption of higher volume spraying techniques. In particular, large areas of cotton in both central-southern and West Africa have been treated with spinning