Hand Spraying Research Articles

Effect of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana (Balls.) Vuill. isolates on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The aim of the study was to determine the lethal effect of 1 x 108 conidia mL-1 concentration of local Beauveria bassiana isolates (ET 10, BMAUM-M6-4, Bb 1) against M. persicae under laboratory conditions. For the spraying method, B. bassiana isolates was applied to M. persicae nymphs with a hand spray. In this context, the experiments were carried out in a randomized plots experimental design with ten replicates with ten nymphs in each Petri plate. After the applications, the number of live individuals was recorded by counting the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days and the percentage mortality rate was calculated. On the third and fifth days of the experiment, the highest mortality rates of 64 and 95% were recorded for the Bb 1 isolate of B. bassiana, respectively. In the seventh day counts, 100% mortality rates were determined for Bb 1 and ET 10 isolates and 99% for the BMAUM-M6-4 isolate. In addition, the mortality date (LT50) values were calculated as 3.62 days for ET 10 isolate, 3.60 days for BMAUM M6-4 isolate, and 2.93 days for Bb 1 isolates, respectively. As a result, it is thought that B. bassiana isolates can be used in biological control practices within the scope of integrated pest management program against M. persicae.

A longitudinal study of tick infestations and management practices in young stock smallholder dairy cattle in the Tanga region, Tanzania

A longitudinal study involving cohorts of young stock animals (<3 years old) kept on smallholder dairy farms in the Tanga region, Tanzania, was conducted to identify and quantify tick infestations and describe on-farm tick management practices. A total of 549 young stock were followed for 23 months, and 3127 grazing and acaricide treatment observations were obtained. Tick counts were low in the present study, and while more than 30% of animals had a tick on one occasion, most animals had no ticks at most examinations. The most commonly encountered spp. were R. appendiculatus, Boophilus spp., A. variegatum and R. evertsi. Most animals were zero-grazed, a management system that significantly limits animal exposure to ticks; however, grazed calves were more than three times more likely to carry R. appendiclatus and Boophilus spp. ticks than zero-grazed calves were (OR [odds ratio] = 4.4, P < 0.001; 3.6, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences among sampling rounds in the numbers of animals carrying R. appendiculatus ticks (likelihood ratio test P = 0.520). Hand spraying was the common method used, acaricides that require on farm dilution were most commonly used, and most farmers used this method at concentrations considerably less than those recommended by the manufacturer, most likely due to poor understanding, high cost (tempting them to over dilute) and weak extension/veterinary services. Variation in acaricide treatment frequency was not associated with variations in tick attachment, suggesting that most farms were under a strong acaricide regime or at irregular intervals or with tick-building resistance. Our findings suggest that geographic variations in vector densities might partly influence the extent of infection caused by tick-borne pathogens. The applicability of this study to large and extensive cattle production systems is recommended to widen the scope of tick management practices while generating additional data that will inform national tick and tick-borne disease control policy reform in Tanzania.

Interlaminar performance of three nanomaterials film enhanced glass fiber reinforced polymer

The carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene oxide are widely applied in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) to enhance interlaminar performance, even though they have an extremely expensive price. Herein, we provide a novel interlaminar toughening material: carbon black, which has a cheap price and good interlaminar properties. The relationship between different amounts of three nanomaterials and toughening efficiency is obtained through experiments (end notch bending (ENF) test) and the curves between different amounts and prices are revealed by the investigation. Moreover, a mathematical model of interlaminar performance, material consumption, and price is established, which can provide researchers with accurate, efficient, and inexpensive predictions in different application environments. On the other hand, a simple and efficient spraying method for making reinforcement layers is adopted in this research and we analyzed the microstructure strengthening mechanism of three nanomaterials by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Design of non-contact hand spray for smart sanitization using IoT

The most recent experience had taught us the importance of hygiene and health care. World had come across the tragic duration of lockdown due to the infectious disease named covid-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. We had faced period of self-isolation for months avoiding the social contact to reduce the rapid spread of disease. That situation had brought tremendous change in people’s life. This pandemic affected each us in various ways. There were many diseases like cholera, plaque, centuries ago showed the world similar effect like covid-19. So, there should be some preventative measures needed to be taken before there could be a chance to takeaway people lives. Our project is a small step towards the self-care, health of people and prevent the Spreading of viral infections, which we accomplished by one of the preventative methods - “Sanitization”. This is one the measure that can be implemented during pandemic periods (example - Corona Virus). This helps to reduce the transmission of virus to some extent and prevents people from being affected.

Nisbah Daun Batang, Nisbah Berat Daun dan Nisbah Akar Tajuk Tanaman Sawi Pagoda (Brassica narinosa L.) Akibat Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Kascing, Papua Nutrient dan MA-11

Analysis of the growth of the Shoot Root Ratio, Stem Leaf Ratio and Leaf Weight Ratio on pagoda mustard plants are expected to provide an accurate picture of growth and yields. The aim of the study was to determine and analyze the growth of the shoot-root ratio, stem leaf ratio and leaf weight ratio of pagoda mustard greens (Brassica narinosa L.) due to the administration of liquid organic fertilizer Kascing, Papua Nutrient and MA-11. This research is held at the screen house of the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Papua for 2 months. The tools and materials used include: machetes, hoes, polybag shovels, digital scales, 30 cm ruler, stationery, trays seedling, notebook, medication label, sprayer, hand spray, 10 ml liquid measuring tube, oven, f1 pagoda mustard seed, Kascing, Papua Nutrient, MA-11, granulated sugar, vegetable pesticide nem oil, soil media, compost, manure goats and cows.
 There is a significant effect due to the application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on the Root Root Ratio, Stem Leaf Ratio and Leaf Weight Ratio. Analysis of variance and further tests showed significantly different results between the control treatment and other treatments (P1, P2, and P3). The results of the 5% BNJ test were carried out by comparing the average difference between each treatment, both P0, P1, P2 and P3 with a critical value of 3.2. Treatment of P1 Liquid Organic Fertilizer vermicompost can be said to have the most significant effect on plant growth variables because it shows the ratio of absolute average prices is greater than the critical value.

Invisible Bactericidal Coatings on Generic Surfaces through a Convenient Hand Spray.

Robust antimicrobial coatings featuring high transparency, strong bactericidal activity, and an easy application procedure on generic surfaces can be widely accepted by the public to prevent pandemics. In this work, we demonstrated the hand-sprayer-based approach to deposit complex oxide coatings composed of Co-Mn-Cu-Zn-Ag on screen protectors of smartphones through acidic redox-assisted deposition (ARD). The as-obtained coatings possess high transparency (99.74% transmittance at 550 nm) and long-lasting durability against swiping (for 135 days of average use) or wet cleaning (for a routine of 3 times/day for 33 days). The spray coating enabling 3.14% Escherichia coli viability can further be reduced to 0.21% through a consistent elemental composition achieved via the immersion method. The high intake of Cu2+ in the coating is majorly responsible for the bactericidal activity, and the presence of Ag+ and Zn2+ is necessary to achieve almost complete eradication. The success of extending the bactericidal coatings on other typical hand-touched surfaces (e.g., stainless steel railings, rubber handrails, and plastic switches) in public areas has been demonstrated.

Types and Classification of Acaricides used and Challenges faced by livestock farmers in Kajiado West Sub County, Kajiado, Kenya

In Kenya tick borne diseases and tick control is mainly by use of acaricides through dipping or hand spraying. Intensive acaricides use has led to concern over resistance and residue problems prompting authors to discuss new pest management strategies. The study aimed at evaluating pastoralists farmers on the types, classification and various challenges experienced upon acaricides use to eradicate ectoparasites in livestock during the months of May (wet) and November (dry) in 2018. Parasites are responsible for economic losses either directly or indirectly to livestock through discomfort and damage, resulting to drop in quality and quantity of dairy products. A cross-sectional design that combined quality and quantitative methods where a structured questionnaire, face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection from 138 farmers in Loita, Ngurumani and Olkkeramatian locations who were willing to participated. Description statistic was carried for frequencies, percentages, variance and data subjected to confidence limits to T-test at 95 %. Results revealed that farmers used nine acaricides under different trade names for their livestock with which three active ingredients (a.i) commonly use were cypermethrin (76%), amitraz (72 %), and deltamethrin (46%). These acaricides were WHO class III (33.3 %) and WHO class II (67.7 %) respectively were used. The acaricides controlled major pests and diseases in livestock, such as lumpy skin disease, tick fever, anthrax, bovine anaplasmosis, East Coast fever, foot and mouth disease and black quarter. These diseases are caused by ticks, tsetse flies, fleas, Biting flies, Mite Manges and lice. The farmers’ main livelihood was livestock that are sold to raise cash for food, school fees and other family obligation. The challenges faced by the farmers were climate change / variability led to loss of livestock due to inadequate pasture and water. This led to food insecurity, drought was the major problem leading to loss of livestock due to malnutrition, caused inadequacy in pasture for livestock and water for human and livestock use, poor infrastructural establishment especially poor road networks and transport impediments to the nearby commercial centres where they purchase the acaricides with most of them purchased during market days. Tick borne diseases were the major constraints and difficulties in the control of the tick vectors due to exposure to same acaricides and shortage of water. Farmers were found to coexist with wildlife inhabiting the Ewaso Nyiro River banks. These coexistence of livestock and wildlife increased human-wildlife conflicts, there is need for collaboration to minimize risks by lowering negative attitudes pastoralists possess towards wildlife. Most acaricides, Cypermethrin and alpha-Cypermethrin, WHO class II pesticides may be replaced with WHO class III and IV. Integrated pesticide management (IPM) require proper pesticides use and management among the farmers to follow manufacturer’s recommendation to prevent risks to human health and environmental pollution.

Pollination Parameter Optimization and Field Verification of UAV-Based Pollination of ‘Kuerle Xiangli’

In this study, we investigated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pollination of ‘Kuerle Xiangli’, and screened the pollination operation parameters to determine the precise parameters needed for the implementation of a ‘Kuerle Xiangli’ UAV pollination operation. Different flight height gradients, nozzle atomization particle sizes, spraying volume, and flight routes were tested and their effects on the droplets deposited were compared. UAV operation parameters were screened and field operations were conducted, comparing the fruit set rate, cost, and efficiency of different pollination methods of ‘Kuerle Xiangli’. The results show that the mist droplet effect of 1 m above the top of the tree is higher compared with that of 2 m and 3 m. The mist droplet effect of 2 L/667 m2 is better compared with that of 1.5 L/667 m2 and 1 L/667 m2. The mist droplet effect of 120 μm nozzle atomization particle size is better than that of 110 μm, 135 μm, and 150 μm. The mist droplet effect of flying above the canopy is better than that of flying between the rows of the canopy. The inflorescence and flower fruiting rates of ‘Kuerle Xiangli’ are 63.27% and 28.84%, respectively, and the inflorescence fruiting rate is not significantly different from hand and liquid sprayer pollination. The UAV pollination saves 12.69 USD/667 m2 and 3.32 USD/667 m2 compared with hand and liquid spray pollination, respectively. The efficiency of UAV pollination is greater than that of liquid and hand pollination. The best combination of parameters for pollination using a quadrotor UAV is 1 m from the top of the tree, 2 L/667 m2 spray volume, 120 μm spray nozzle particle size, and the flight path above the canopy. The cost of UAV pollination is 11.83 USD/667 m2 and the pollination efficiency 2.67 hm2/unit·h.

Innovative and Effective Spray Method for Artificial Pollination of Date Palm Using Drone

Traditional pollination of date palms is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Hence, the objectives of this study were 1) to develop a rapid, efficient, and low-cost pollination method that results in an acceptable level of fruit set (FS) with smaller amount of pollen grains, and labor costs using a platform-mounted robotic (drone) supplemented with water-suspended pollen grains, and 2) to investigate the effect of this method on date palm FS percentage, pollination efficiency (PE), fruit retention, total yield, and fruit quality. Date palm cultivars Barhi, Lulu, and Khesab were pollinated using traditional hand pollination (HP), spray pollination (HS), and drone pollination (DS) with water-suspended pollen grains (3 g/L). The results revealed that DS had a significantly lower FS percentage than the HP and HS methods in the Lulu and Khesab cultivars, but the difference was not statistically significant in Barhi cultivar. Fruit PE was unaffected by any of the pollination methods in Barhi and Lulu cultivars, but in the Khesab cultivar, DS pollination had lower PE (0.81) than HS (0.94) and HP (0.99) methods. DS had significantly lower levels of fruit retention and bunch weight than other methods. DS significantly improved fruit physical quality at harvest in all cultivars compared with HP and HS methods. Nevertheless, fruit color, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) %, acidity, pH, and vitamin C level were unaffected by any of the pollination methods. Although the DS method produced lower FS percentage and bunch weight, the obtained FS percentages were within the commercially acceptable range for all cultivars. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first field study to indicate the possibility of pollinating date palm using drones with water-suspended pollen grain. To validate the commercial application, more research is needed to justify the optimum time and duration of application, which may vary according to cultivar and region.

Comparison of The Effectiveness of Gel and Spray Hand Sanitizers Against Reducing The Number of Germs on The Palms

Maintaining hand hygiene is one of the measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining hand hygiene can use soap and water or other alternatives such as hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%. Hand sanitizer is a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol functions to kill microorganisms in the hands quickly and without rinsing. Hand sanitizers generally consist of two types, namely gels and sprays, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to determine the decrease in the number of germs on the palms after using gel and spray hand sanitizers, as well as a comparison of the effectiveness of gel and spray hand sanitizers. The research method used is pre-experimental with the research design "One Group Pretest Posttest design" and the examination method uses Total Plate Count (TPC). The study was conducted at the AAK An Nasher microbiology laboratory from June to August 2021. The results of the study obtained that gel and spray hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of germs on the palms, but there is no difference in effectiveness in reducing the number of germs on the palms between the use of gel and spray hand sanitizers. Data analysis using paired sample t-test obtained sig value. (0.000<0.050) for the two types of hand sanitizers, it is concluded that both are significantly able to reduce the number of germs on the palms. The results of the independent samples t-test obtained sig values. (0.449>0.050) There needs to be an effective comparison between gel and spray hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizer gel and spray are effective in reducing the number of germs on the palm, but there is no difference in effectiveness in reducing the number of germs on the palm between the use of gel and spray hand sanitizer

Determining the detection limit of Strontium, Calcium, and Lead in an aqueous jet using microwave-enhanced plasma-ball optical emission spectrometry

The microwave-enhanced plasma-ball optical emission spectrometry (MEPB-OES) used the synergistic effects of spark ignition and microwave-sustained breakdown plasma for elemental spectrochemical analysis, which required no sample preparations. The viability of MEPB-OES for the element analysis of aqueous jet solutions was determined via the identification of Strontium (Sr), Calcium (Ca), and Lead (Pb). Specifically, an aqueous solution that contained Sr, Ca, and Pb was directly introduced into a plasma ball using a hand spray and a nebulizer. The measurement accuracy of the nebulizer was higher than that of the hand spray owing to the generation of finer particles. The limit of detection using the hand spray is in the mg/L range, while the measurement accuracy of the nebulizer is in the µg/L range.

Potential Antimicrobial Activity of Cyanobacteria Oscillatoria Boryana and Oscillatoria Pseudogeminata Isolated from Odisha Coast, India

The present report is an investigation of commonly used hand sanitizer and spry in India to fight against Covid-19. Apart from alcohol, the rest part of the sanitizer and spray belongs to colors, water, preservatives therefore some medicinal plants are added to the formulation because of their antimicrobial property. The study, therefore, aims to analyze medicinal plant extract utilized in hand sanitizer and spray, its composition, and its manufacturer too. The hand sanitizer and spray were gathered from various sources and their manufacturers, the composition of medicinal plant extract was noted down. The present study finds 63% of sanitizer and spray uses medicinal plants in their composition. Medicinal plant-based hand sanitizer and spray manufactured all over the country in which pharmaceutical, personal care, and cosmetics, herbal product-based companies and industries are the largest producer. A total of 19 medicinal plants were recorded in which Azadirachta indica and Alove barbadensis were most commonly used. The composition of hand sanitizer and spray medicinal plant extracts included around 0.15 to 0.20% of the total. The study concluded that the use of medicinal plant extract in hand sanitizer and spray is encouraging and antiviral potential medicinal plants are incorporated in the formulation. The use of Alove barbadensis also protects moisture and avoids the dehydration caused by alcohol. Therefore the study will be helpful to aware the peoples and manufacturing industries for the use of hand sanitizer and spray based on medicinal plants.

The Use of Medicinal Plant Extract in Hand Sanitizer and Spray to Combat Against Covid-19

The current applications of nanomedicine span from the treatment of an infection right up to the treatment of cancer. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have established themselves as reliable delivery systems for delivering therapeutic agents including nucleic acids since they prevent in vivo degradation of nucleic acids and facilitate their target-specific delivery. The mRNA is one such nucleic acid that is delivered by the LNPs for the treatment of infectious diseases. This review provides a detailed insight into the concept of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, their mechanism of action, manufacturing process, critical considerations in the formulation, development, and manufacturing of these vaccines, and explains the vital role of LNPs in the development of these vaccines. Certain shortcomings of the lipid nanoparticle-mRNA vaccine concerning the in vitro stability of the mRNA and the LNP have also been highlighted in this review.

The Effect of Sanitizing Treatments on Respirator Filtration Performance.

The potential for alcoholic vapors emitted by common sanitizing treatments to deteriorate the (electrostatic) filtration performance of disposable respirator masks has been investigated. Reports in the literature and some standard test methods provide a confusing and ambiguous picture concerning the relevance of this effect. Four different types of exposure were investigated in this study to clarify the effect of alcoholic vapor emissions on respirator masks. These included exposure to saturated vapors, use of hand sanitizers, cleaning of table surfaces and sanitization of masks by spraying them with alcohol-containing solutions. Methods employed were designed to be as real-world oriented as possible while remaining reproducible. Filtration performance and deterioration effects on exposure to the different treatments were determined on three different types of certified commercial respirator masks—a P2 and two KN95 masks. This study provides substantial evidence that disposable respirator masks with an accepted performance rating are seriously compromised from an exposure to saturated alcoholic vapors, can tolerate a one-off spray treatment with an alcoholic solution and retain their attested protection under the influence of alcoholic vapors from the use of hand sanitizer or spray sanitizer. Considering the range of vastly different outcomes obtained from the four treatments investigated, it seems prudent to assess in each case the specific effects of alcoholic solution treatments and vapors on respirator masks before use.

Agent Blue Spraying in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War: Fate of the Arsenic Based Herbicide Weapon Used to Destroy Rice Crop and Mangrove Forests

Agent Blue, a mixture of cacodylic acid (CH3) As O2H) and sodium cacodylate (C2H6 AsNaO2), was a tactical arsenic-based herbicide used during the Vietnam War to destroy grasses and rice crops. Natural and synthetic sources of arsenic can degrade into water-soluble forms and persist in groundwater and potentially contribute to elevating As levels in drinking water. The United States Department of Defense (DOD) and United States Department of Agricultural (USDA) Operation Ranch Hand records for tactical herbicides including Agent Blue sprayed in southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1961-1971) are very detailed, rather complete and publicly available. The same is not true for tactical herbicides sprayed by the Republic of Vietnam (RV) during the Khai Quang program which was supported by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the Mekong Delta. Agent Blue was sprayed by the RV military for three years before the official start of the American-Vietnam War. Few, if any, RV military, US Army, US Navy and CIA spray records exist from 1962 to 1965. Vietnam War veterans, historians and scholars have reported the spraying of 3.2 million liters (468,008 kg As) of Agent Blue on rice paddies and mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands by the RV military with the support of the US Army, US Navy and CIA. The Institute of Medicine estimated that 3.2 million liters (468,000 kg As) were sprayed during the RV Khai Quang program. This was in addition to the U.S. Air Force’s Operation Ranch Hand spraying of the tactical herbicide Agent Blue primarily by C-123 aircraft. The Operation Ranch Hand missions maintained location and quantities of herbicides sprayed (over 4,712,000 liters (664,392 kg As) from 1961-1971. The RV military and US military (Army and Navy) spray equipment included hand and backpack sprayers, sprayers mounted on Brown Water Navy boats, on Army track vehicles and Army land-based helicopters and helicopters based on the decks of Blue Water Navy ships. Some of these spray missions were a military secret and spray records were classified or if kept were not maintained. Agent Blue containing cacodylic acid had a short half-life and degraded to water-soluble arsenic, which was released into the surface water and/or leached into the groundwater. Once the water-soluble arsenic leached into the Vietnam Mekong Delta groundwater, the arsenic-rich water was pumped back to the surface by tens of thousands of tube wells for urban and agricultural use. The primary objectives of this research are to explore the conditions during the Vietnam War under which 1) the RV military herbicide spray program with the support of the US Navy, CIA and US Army, and 2) the US Air Force spray program during Operation Ranch Hand may have significantly contributed to the natural and anthropic As spikes found in the Mekong Delta today. The environmental impacts of Agent Blue, on the Menominee River at manufacturing sites in the United States, were studied to identify possible As remediation and mitigation strategies. The lessons previously learned at the manufacturing sites in Wisconsin and Michigan, United States can be considered and applied to the Mekong Delta to help mitigate and remediate the arsenic-rich surface water, soil, sediment and groundwater found in the Mekong Delta.

Low Temperature PEFC Performance of Unsupported Pt-Ni Aerogel Cathode Catalyst Layers

The commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) requires Pt-based, O2-reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts with improved stability and activity, in order to be able to reach cathode Pt-loadings << 0.4 mgPt·cm-2. This can be done by alloying platinum with other metals such as Ni (as to increase its ORR-activity), while complementary developing novel catalysts that can endure the oxidizing conditions concomitant to PEFC startup/shutdown, which cause the corrosion (and progressive failure) of the carbon-supported Pt-catalysts (Pt/C) used in state-of-the-art PEFCs. Aiming to tackle both requirements, in our previous work we showed that an optimized cathode catalyst layer (CL) based on an unsupported, bimetallic Pt-Ni nanochain network (aerogel) displayed a PEFC ORR-activity ≈2.5-fold larger than a commercial Pt/C at 80 °C and 100 % relative humidity (RH), while preserving 90 % of this initial performance after an accelerated stress test that mimicked PEFC startup/shutdown (vs. only 40 % for Pt/C) [1]. However, those studies did not include PEFC measurements at lower temperatures and relative humidity (RH) conditions which are relevant for PEFC powered vehicles, and that have been shown to be problematic for other unsupported Pt-based catalysts [2].To tackle this needs, we first had to re-assess the procedures used for the preparation of aerogel CLs. More precisely, in our previous work [1] aerogel-based catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) were prepared by hand spraying, which is highly dependent on the handler and can therefore lead to irreproducibility. To overcome this issue, we have used an automated spray-coating machine that on the other hand requires a larger amount of material for operation, thus implying the need for an up-scale of the aerogel synthesis up to 125 mg batches (≈ 5-fold larger than those prepared for our previous work). Following a careful optimization of this spraying procedure, we managed to prepare an up-scaled, automatically sprayed aerogel CCM that displayed a PEFC performance similar to our previous best results in Ref. 1. This Pt3Ni CL was subsequently submitted to additional PEFC tests at temperatures ≤ 60 °C and under RH conditions between 100 and 20 %, whereby the latter can imply issues in the evacuation of product liquid water caused by the limited water storage capacity (i.e., void volume) of the pores in such ultra-thin CLs (≈ 1.5 μm). Specifically, our PEFC tests included electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements from which we estimated the effect of temperature and RH on the proton transport resistance through the catalyst layer, thus allowing us to quantify the mass transport losses along this broad range of temperature and RH [3]. Based on these results, specific temperature and RH conditions were selected to conduct additional current up-transient failure tests [2, 4].

Robotic Spot Spraying of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) in Grazing Pastures of the Australian Rangelands.

Harrisia cactus, Harrisia martinii, is a serious weed affecting hundreds of thousands of hectares of native pasture in the Australian rangelands. Despite the landmark success of past biological control agents for the invasive weed and significant investment in its eradication by the Queensland Government (roughly $156M since 1960), it still takes hold in the cooler rangeland environments of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. In the past decade, landholders with large infestations in these locations have spent approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per annum on herbicide control measures to reduce the impact of the weed on their grazing operations. Current chemical control requires manual hand spot spraying with high quantities of herbicide for foliar application. These methods are labour intensive and costly, and in some cases inhibit landholders from performing control at all. Robotic spot spraying offers a potential solution to these issues, but existing solutions are not suitable for the rangeland environment. This work presents the methods and results of an in situ field trial of a novel robotic spot spraying solution, AutoWeed, for treating harrisia cactus that (1) more than halves the operation time, (2) can reduce herbicide usage by up to 54% and (3) can reduce the cost of herbicide by up to $18.15 per ha compared to the existing hand spraying approach. The AutoWeed spot spraying system used the MobileNetV2 deep learning architecture to perform real time spot spraying of harrisia cactus with 97.2% average recall accuracy and weed knockdown efficacy of up to 96%. Experimental trials showed that the AutoWeed spot sprayer achieved the same level of knockdown of harrisia cactus as traditional hand spraying in low, medium and high density infestations. This work represents a significant step forward for spot spraying of weeds in the Australian rangelands that will reduce labour and herbicide costs for landholders as the technology sees more uptake in the future.

Disposition Kinetics of Amitraz in Lactating Does.

Amitraz, a member of the formamidine pesticide family, commonly used for ectoparasite control, is applied as a dip or low-pressure hand spray to cattle and swine, and the neck collar on dogs. Data on amitraz were generated mainly on laboratory animals, hens, dogs, and baboons. The data on the toxicity and disposition of amitraz in animals and its residues in the milk are inadequate. Therefore, the present study was intended to analyze the disposition kinetics of amitraz and its pattern of elimination in the milk of lactating does after a single dermal application at a concentration of 0.25%. Blood at predetermined time intervals and milk twice daily were collected for eight days post application. The drug concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Amitraz was detected in whole blood as early as 0.5 h, which attained a peak concentration at 12 ± 5 h, followed by a steady decline; however, detection persisted until 168 h. Amitraz was present in the blood at its 50% Cmax even after 48 h, and was still detectable after 7 days. The disposition after a single dermal application was best described non-compartmentally. The mean terminal half-life (t1/2), mean residence time (MRT), and area under the curve (AUC0–t) were 111 ± 31 h, 168 ± 39 h, and 539 ± 211 µg/mL/h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution (Vdarea) was 92 ± 36 mL/g with an observed clearance (Cl) of 0.57 ± 0.33 mL/kg/h. Thus, the drug was well absorbed, widely distributed and slowly eliminated from the animal body. Amitraz achieved milk concentration approximating 0.2 per cent of the total dose after a single exposure and the steady-state elimination of amitraz in milk above the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg can act as a source of public health concern when applied on lactating animals.

The Role and Sustainability of Community-based County Government Funded Agricultural Infrastructure Projects: A Case of Community Cattle Dips and Acaricides Use in Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru Counties

The study objective was to provide baseline and reference data on status and use of acaricides based on type or active ingredients by individual farmers and in public cattle dip maintained by county governments. The survey was conducted through a cross-sectional study in three counties (Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru), based on livestock farming intensive (low, medium and high) respectively. A total of 72 farmers were sampled where Questionnaire and informal interview were used to collect data on acaricides use, grazing method, herd characteristics, production and marketing. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Grazing systems were conventional grazing (31), zero grazing (10) and fenced pastures (41). Collapse of county governments maintained cattle dips was observed. Hence use of alternative methods by farmers; spray race (22) and mechanical (hand) spray (31). Chemicals used included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers (32) spraying once a week. Water sources for use were tap (piped) water (8), Borehole (54), community dams (3), river water (4) and harvested rain water (1). Majority of farmers (43) used manual methods of milking while 29 farmers used automated machines. Nakuru had highest number of lactating cattle (1422) and milk production (22,480 litres), followed by Kajiado (247) with low milk production (371 litres) compared to production Kilifi production (1470 litres) herd (150). Milk was sold to KCC, Brookside and vendors with farmers adding little value (Yoghurt and Mala). In conclusion, extensive use of chemicals may accumulate in the ecosystem thus a public health problem with little productivity. Data forms basis for further research and policy formulation on acaricides use. Analysis of hydro-chemical parameters and acaricides in the water source is recommended to ascertain its suitability for Agricultural and domestic use.

Rhizosphere engineering through exogenous growth-regulating small molecules improves the colonizing efficiency of a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium in rice.

Enhancing the rhizosphere colonization and persistence of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is necessary for maximizing PGPR-mediated benefits for crop growth and fitness in environmentally friendly agriculture. In the present investigation, we attempted manipulation of the rice rhizosphere by spraying of low molecular weight plant-regulating metabolites on the foliage of rice plants to in turn enhance the colonizing efficiency of soil-inoculated PGPR strain. The green fluorescent protein gene-tagged rhizobacterial strain, Pseudomonas chlororaphis ZSB15-M2, was inoculated in sterile plant growth medium (vermiculite coco peat mixture) and non-autoclaved agricultural soil. We sprayed different plant growth-regulating small molecules on the foliage of rice seedlings and monitored the colonizing efficiency of ZSB15-M2 in the rice rhizosphere. Among the chemicals assessed, salicylic acid (SA) at 1mM or Corynebacterium glutamicum cell extract (CGCE, 0.2% w/v) or Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell extract (SCCE, 0.2% w/v) showed a tenfold increase in rhizosphere colony-forming units of ZSB15-M2 compared to control with a significant decline in non-rhizosphere bulk soil population. Foliar spray of CGCE enhanced soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and soil protein by 21.86%, 9.68% and 11.57% respectively in the rice rhizosphere as compared to mock control. Additionally, CGCE spray enhanced the key soil enzymes, viz., dehydrogenase and acid- and alkaline phosphatase in the rhizosphere ranging 15-36%. The cumulative effect of this engineered rhizosphere resulted in the elevation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc availability by 21.83%, 28.83%, 23.95% and 61.94%, respectively, in rice rhizosphere as compared to control. On the other hand, SCCE and SA spray had an equal influence on the rhizosphere's biological attributes, which is lower than that of GCGE and higher than that of mock control. From the study, we propose that the aboveground management of rice with microbial-based small molecules will modulate the rice rhizosphere to attract more beneficial PGPR-based inoculants, thus improving the crop and soil health.