Precision pesticide application technologies are needed to achieve efficient and effective spray deposition on target areas and minimize airborne spray drift. Two variable-rate sprayers were developed as an introduction of new generation sprayers for tree crop applications. The first sprayer was a hydraulic vertical boom spraying system using ultrasonic sensors to detect tree size and volume, and the second sprayer was an air-assisted spraying system using a laser scanning sensor to measure the entire tree structure quickly. The automatic controllers consisted of a computer program, a signal generation and amplification unit, and pulse width modulated solenoid valves. The controllers provided variable flows to nozzles based on tree characteristics and plant occurrence. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that both sprayers had the capability to control spray outputs that continuously matched canopy characteristics in real time and that significantly reduced chemical off-target losses to the air and ground.

Development of intelligent spraying systems to reduce airborne spray drift

244th National Meeting (2012)

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