Location: Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research
Project Number: 6066-30500-001-019-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Dec 31, 2027
Objective:
The goal of this collaborative research effort is to minimize pesticide exposure to pollinators by identifying the least drifting pesticide spray nozzle and evaluate the applicability of pollinator-friendly plant-based polymers as pesticide adjuvants. The specific objectives are (1) detailed evaluation of different spray nozzles to clearly identify the zones from which driftable size particles emerge and (2) evaluation of the impact, spread and evaporation of pesticide tank mixes composed of new plant-based adjuvants and selected pesticides (typical of the lower Mississippi Delta) on target surfaces. (3) Fluid sheet breakup of different plant-based polymer solutions using multiple spray nozzles.
Approach:
This agreement is to establish research projects that are aimed at helping American farmers increase on farm productivity in a safe and affordable manner. The project will evaluate different pesticide spray nozzles and novel plant-based polymers as pesticide adjuvants to maximize pesticide application efficiency and reduce off-target pesticide drift. The findings of this research will help reduce cost of crop production and ensure profitability for the farmers and ranchers and will aid in developing strategies that will minimize pesticide drift, ensuring that safe, nutritious and healthy food is available to people, and over the long term reducing the risk of chronic diseases through exposure to harmful pesticides. These goals are directly in line with the 5-y project plan objectives of the research unit.