Electric field spraying was previously explored in agriculture, enjoying some success with the hand-held �Electrodyn� sprayer, which was used for insecticide application by African smallholder farmers during the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, exploratory work demonstrated the technology's applicability to herbicides. Wider use of the electric field technology was hindered, in part, by technical challenges in achieving suitable formulation properties (e.g., resistivity) and compatibility with certain active ingredients. Recent advances in formulation technology involving oil dispersion and oil-continuous microemulsions present new opportunities for rethinking use of electric field technology. Unique characteristics of the electric field technology such as producing a charged, directed spray and use of ultra-low volume, pre-packaged oil-based formulations are appealing, particularly in emerging economies for small scale farming. Such features enable a reduction in active ingredient and no need for water or tank mixing, while providing reduced operator exposure, uniform coverage, and improved efficacy levels.

Rethinking electric field spraying in agriculture

248th National Meeting (2014)

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