Author
 |
Fox, Robert |
|
Derksen, Richard |
|
Brazee, Ross |
|
Submitted to: International Society of Citriculture Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Drift from spraying fruit trees with air-blast orchard sprayers is discussed. Techniques and practices used to reduce drift are often in conflict with methods that produce effective spray application, i.e., good canopy penetration and deposition on all leaf surfaces. The small droplet size and sprayer jet parameters required to achieve optimum spray deposits often produce increased spray drift. Travel speed, canopy density, spray droplet size and other factors affect spray deposition on foliage and off-site drift. Drift from spraying orchards is an important problem and has received much attention in the past few years by researchers throughout the world. The paper presents results of several studies, both in citrus and in other fruit trees. The most important factor in reducing spray drift is proper operation of a suitable sprayer in each individual orchard. New sprayer and nozzle design, care in sprayer operation, use of buffer zones and shelter-belts and special treatment of the downwind rows are some of the methods that can be used to reduce exposure of sensitive areas to spray drift. |
