Abstract
ABSTRACT Tractor traveling speed can influence the quality of spraying depending on the application technology used. This study aimed to evaluate the droplet spectrum, the deposition and uniformity of spray distribution with different spraying systems and traveling speeds of a self-propelled sprayer in two phenological stages of the cotton plant (B9 and F13). The experimental design was randomized blocks and treatments were three spraying techniques: common flat spray tips; tilted flat jet with air induction, at 120 L ha-1; and rotary atomizer disk, 20 L ha-1, combined with four traveling speeds: 12, 15, 18 and 25 km h-1, with four replications. Spraying deposition was evaluated for both leaf surfaces from the cotton plant apex and base (stage B9) and middle part of the plant (stage F13) with a cupric marker. A laser particle analyzer also assessed the droplet spectrum. The centrifugal power spray system produces more homogeneous droplet spectrum and increased penetration of droplets into the canopy in both phenological stages. Variation on the operating conditions necessary for increased traveling speed negatively influences the pattern of spraying deposits.
Highlights
Cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) present a number of problems related to crop protection, among which is the presence of several species of phytophagous insects, which would cause yield and fiber quality losses from emergence to maturity (SANTOS, 2011)
This work aimed to evaluate the spectrum of spraying droplets, the deposition and uniformity of the spray mixture distribution produced by hydropower tips and centrifugal energy spray system under different traveling speeds of a self-propelled sprayer in two phenological stages of the cotton plant
It is observed that there were significant differences between technologies for the parameter volume median diameter (VMD) measured by the particle measurer in all traveling speeds
Summary
Cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.) present a number of problems related to crop protection, among which is the presence of several species of phytophagous insects, which would cause yield and fiber quality losses from emergence to maturity (SANTOS, 2011). Around 30 sprayings are held throughout the crop cycle, which corresponds to 25% of production costs (AGRIANUAL, 2013). To minimize phytosanitary problems, it becomes necessary to adopt practices that are efficient and allow for increasing sustainability in cotton production. The intensification of farming in areas of great agricultural extension and the adoption of crop succession practices have favored the increase in the population pressure of several polyphagous insect species. There is the need for spraying to be carried out within short intervals for satisfactory control of these insect pests (WOLF & DAGGUPATI, 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
