Mission:
The mission of the Aerial Application Technology Research Unit is to develop and implement new and improved aerial application technologies for safe, efficient, and sustainable crop production and protection. Research focuses on optimizing aerial spray technologies for on-target deposition and drift mitigation; characterizing the effects of spray systems and formulations on droplet size; enhancing spray swath deposition and uniformity; developing criteria for efficient operation and selection of aerial spray systems; developing geospatial data processing and analysis methods for crop condition assessment and pest management; developing variable-rate application methods for plant growth regulators and defoliants based on physiological conditions; and developing precision aerial application methods for fertilization and disease control based on biotic conditions. Research of the Unit is directly aimed at serving the needs of the spray application community, particularly aerial applicators, through innovative and relevant research and by providing technical advice and consultation.