Location: Application Technology Research
Project Number: 5082-30500-002-014-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 22, 2025
End Date: Sep 21, 2026
Objective:
Objective 1: Enhance Technological Integration of the Intelligent Spray System (ISS)
Objective 2: Evaluate the Efficacy of Low-Input Fungicide Programs in Horticultural Systems Using the ISS
Objective 3: Deliver a Targeted Extension and Demonstration Program to Accelerate ISS Adoption
Approach:
We will collaborate with specialty crop growers currently using or piloting the ISS to identify practical barriers to adoption and refine its use under real-world conditions. Rate optimization trials will be conducted on working farms to align ISS application volumes with specific crop stages and canopy structures, ensuring compatibility with U.S. production practices. Our team will document sprayer settings, evaluate performance metrics including spray coverage and product use efficiency, and gather user feedback on interface usability. Findings will inform best practice recommendations and provide a grower-driven pathway for improving adoption while supporting domestic agricultural self-reliance. Modernize and adapt the ISS for broader agricultural use by improving its compatibility with standard U.S. farm equipment, simplifying operator interface, and reducing reliance on foreign-manufactured components to strengthen domestic agricultural infrastructure and support national supply chain resilience.
We will partner with commercial growers to evaluate the performance of reduced-input fungicide programs when applied using the ISS. Trials will be conducted on working farms and research sites, using registered fungicides commonly used in horticultural production. Applications will be evaluated for disease control efficacy, spray coverage, and input reduction. Comparisons will be made between ISS-enabled and standard applications, with an emphasis on identifying economically viable strategies that reduce environmental impact and increase input-use efficiency.
We will lead a hands-on outreach and education effort focused on building grower confidence in precision sprayer technologies. This will include organizing field demonstrations, grower workshops, and technical trainings tailored to specific stages of the production season. Each event will highlight practical benefits of the ISS such as reduced input use, improved spray targeting, and economic returns. Events will be co-hosted with growers and manufacturers to support peer-to-peer learning and technology transfer. Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered to support professional development and licensing.