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ARS Home » Plains Area » College Station, Texas » Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center » Aerial Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345427
Title: Electrostatically charged sprays influenced droplet density on table beets

Author
item Martin, Daniel - Dan
item Latheef, Mohamed - Ab

Submitted to: Applied Engineering in Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/28/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Table beets are an important specialty crop in the U.S. but are commonly attacked by deleterious insect pests that transmit bacterial pathogens and viruses that reduce yield and stunt plant growth. This study utilized an electrostatic spray application system to increase spray deposition on the underside of beet leaves where the pest insects typically reside. Results showed a two-fold increase in spray deposits on the underside of beet leaves by electrostatically charging the spray. Farmers will be able to use the results of this study to increase control of and reduce damage from insect pests in table beets while reducing the amount of pesticide applied.

Technical Abstract: Electrostatically charged spray droplet deposition on table beets, Beta vulgaris L., was compared to an uncharged spray application using a fluorescent imaging technique. Electrostatically charged sprays significantly improved deposition of spray droplets on the abaxial surface of table beet foliage as much as two-fold compared to uncharged spray application.