The Impact of Conventional and Sensor Spraying on Drift and Deposit in Cherry Orchard

Abstract

The research results of the spraying technical factors' impact on ground and air drift, and the deposit on the treetop in cherry orchards, are presented in the paper. Two different spraying systems (classical and sensory system) are investigated, Agromehanika AGP 200 ENU sprayer being used. The research is conducted according to ISO standard 22866 (Plant Protection Equipment-Drift Measurement Methods in Field Conditions). The impact of spraying norm as factor A (A1-250 l/ha; A2-200 l/ha); the nozzle type as factor B (B1-Lechler TR 8002 C; B2-Lechler ITR 8002 C) and the fan air velocity as factor C (C1-18 m/s; C2-12 m/s) are examined by the variance analysis. To spray and evaluate the drift, Tartazine organic dye solution with 4% concentration is used. The filter papers, used as collectors, according to the specified ISO standard, are placed directly in the spraying zone. The sampled filter papers are washed out with 10 ml of deionised water under laboratory conditions. After washing, the colour intensity, i.e., the solution wavelength , is read by a spectrophotometer (Varian Cary 50 UV-Visible). Different drift intensity (ground and air drift) and treetop deposits are realized by the usage of various treatments of technical spraying factors and various spraying systems. Unlike the ground and air drifts, the deposit within the treetop does not show statistically significant change by using a sensory spraying system, i.e. by using a selective application.

Key Technologies for an Orchard Variable-Rate Sprayer: Current Status and Future Prospects

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