Evaluation of Drift-Reducing Nozzles for Pesticide Application in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

Marcello Biocca,Pietro Gallo,Maurizio Cutini,Elio Romano,Federico Pallottino

doi:10.3390/agriengineering3020015

Marcello Biocca, Pietro Gallo + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering3020015

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Abstract

Spraying pesticides using air induction nozzles is a well-known method to reduce drift. These drift-reducing nozzles have been tested on many different tree crops (such as apples, citrus, and grapes), but we are still lacking information on their utilization on hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) groves, although hazelnut is a major nut crop in Italy, and in recent years its cultivated area has been constantly growing. This paper reports a comparison between treatments carried out with cone and flat-fan low-drift nozzles versus two conventional nozzles. The distribution quality, the number of droplets per cm2 of the target area, and the drift in non-target trees adjacent to those treated were evaluated by analyzing the impact of the droplets on water-sensitive papers placed on the tree canopies. The results show that because no significative differences in terms of application quality were found between the tested nozzles, low-drift nozzles can be a good alternative to the standard nozzles to reduce the drift of pesticide applications in hazelnuts without altering the chosen distribution of the pesticide.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The pesticide applications in this crop are mainly challenged by the crown shape and size of traditionally-trained orchards
Farmers usually tend to obtain a fine pulverization of the spray when they try to reach the upper part and the inner portions of the vegetation. This method can lead to an increase of drift, with pesticide losses outside of the treated field

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The accurate application of plant protection products (PPP) is an essential prerequisite for obtaining the maximum effectiveness of pest and disease control, reducing the impact on the environment, safeguarding the health of operators, and obtaining a quality product, free from pesticide residues. In order to achieve these objectives in operational practice, the efforts of the farmer generally aim to choose the appropriate PPP to apply, calculate the best time to distribute them, and strictly adhere to the indications contained on the product label. Especially in recent years, the importance of the role played by the equipment used for the application, its efficiency, and its use have been clearly highlighted

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