Author
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Zhu, Heping |
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OZKAN, ERDAL - The Ohio State University |
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Derksen, Richard |
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Reding, Michael - Mike |
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Ranger, Christopher |
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CANAS, LUIS - The Ohio State University |
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Krause, Charles |
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Locke, James |
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ERNST, STANLY - The Ohio State University |
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ZONDAG, RANDALL - The Ohio State University |
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FULCHER, AMY - University Of Tennessee |
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ROSETTA, ROBIN - Oregon State University |
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JEON, HONG - Dow Agrosciences |
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CHEN, YU - The Ohio State University |
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GU, JIABING - Nanjing Agricultural University |
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LIU, HUI - The Ohio State University |
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SHEN, YUE - The Ohio State University |
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RIOS, ALFREDO - The Ohio State University |
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/14/2012 Publication Date: 8/5/2012 Citation: Zhu, H., Ozkan, E., Derksen, R.C., Reding, M.E., Ranger, C.M., Canas, L., Krause, C.R., Locke, J.C., Ernst, S., Zondag, R., Fulcher, A., Rosetta, R., Jeon, H.Y., Chen, Y., Gu, J., Liu, H., Shen, Y., Rios, A. 2012. Development of smart spray systems to enhance delivery of pesticides in field nursery production. Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Meeting Abstract, August 5-8, 2012, Providence, Rhode Island. #173-P. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Two smart sprayer prototypes have been developed and are being evaluated with a goal of increasing pesticide application efficiency and minimizing environmental impact in field nursery production sites. The first prototype, a modified hydraulic vertical boom system, utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect size and volume of liner-sized plants, and the second prototype is a air-assisted system utilizing a laser scanning sensor to measure plant structure and foliage density. Automatic controllers consisting of: a computer program, signal generation/ amplification unit, pulse width modulated solenoid valves with different algorithms/circuit designs, manipulate nozzles to produce variable-rate outputs based on target characteristics and occurrence in real time. Field tests comparing standard industry sprayers, using multiple target species, were conducted using spray deposition and coverage as criteria. Field tests evaluated insect and disease control (powdery mildew on Norway maple and aphids on red oak) and determined no difference between the smart and conventional sprayers. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that both of the smart sprayer designs had the capacity to control spray outputs, matching canopy characteristics in real time, with the potential to drastically decrease pesticide usage thus reducing environmental impact and enhancing applicator safety. |