Evaluation of Laser-Guided Intelligent Sprayer to Control Insects and Diseases in Ornamental Nurseries and Fruit Farms

Abstract

Intelligent spray technology is anticipated to reduce pesticide use and safeguard the environment. However, the ability of this technology to effectively control insects and disease must be validated before it is adopted by growers. Comparative tests of the ability to control pests for three different laser-guided variable-rate intelligent sprayers and the same sprayers with conventional constant-rate mode were conducted at two ornamental nurseries and one fruit farm in Ohio. Crabapple (Malus Sugar Tyme), apple (Malus pumila), maple (Acer rubrum), birch (Betula nigra), London planetree (Platanus × acerifolia Bloodgood), dogwood (Cornus florida), peach (Prunus persica), blueberry (Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus), and raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) were used as the test plants. Intelligent spray technology reduced pesticide use by 60.0%, 52.8%, and 50.0% on average at the two nurseries and at the fruit farm, respectively. The use of intelligent spray application reduced pesticide costs by up to $2,000/ha during each growing season. Compared to conventional air-assisted sprayers, there was lesser or equal severity of insect pests and diseases in plants when sprayed using intelligent spray technology. These results demonstrate that the intelligent spray technology is environmentally friendly and more effective for controlling insect and disease pests in ornamental tree nurseries and fruit farms.