Power Sprayer Research Articles

Unveiling the Ecological Ramifications of Aerial Pesticide Application by Drones on Soil Microbiota in Rice

The ecological consequences of aerial pesticide application by drones on soil microbiota in rice fields were investigated in this study. The quantitative and qualitative effects of different pesticide treatments, both applied via drones and power sprayer, were examined on soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi. The average population of total bacteria and pseudomonas in the rhizosphere soil tended to be slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments compared to the power sprayer treatments. It is evident that the drone spraying treatments resulted in higher average populations of actinomycetes and fungi (124.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil and 21.12 CFU × 104 g-1 soil, respectively) compared to the power sprayer treatments with average populations of 127.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil for actinomycetes and 22.5 CFU ×104 g-1 soil for fungi. Qualitative assessment of microbial groups revealed that, the abundance of G -ve bacterial groups are higher when compared to G +ve bacterial groups in rhizospheric soil before harvest of the crop. The distribution of fungal genera varied due to pesticide applications. The mean per cent occurrence of Curvularia spp., Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp. was slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments (9.85%, 8.51%, and 8.33%) compared to the power-sprayed treatments (2.48%, 2.24%, and 2.00%). However, the mean per cent occurrence of Aspergillus species (A. ochraceous, A. niger, and A. flavus) was relatively higher in the power sprayer treatments (9.14%, 12.81%, and 4.09%) when compared to the drone-sprayed treatments (3.75%, 2.31%, and 0.83%). Overall, this study underscores the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of different pesticide application methods on soil microbial communities and their potential impact on soil fertility and ecosystem functioning over time.

Ergonomic Parameters based Assessment of the Suitability of PersonalProtective Equipment Kit for Power Sprayer Operations: A Case Study ofMango Orchard in Konkan Region, India

The comparative ergonomic evaluation of six different personal protective equipment (PPE) kits was carried out with six male subjects. The study was carried out in mango orchard with power sprayer. The mean age, body mass and stature of the subjects were 34.5 (±6.7) years, 61.0 (±8.2) kg and 1.64 (±0.05) m, respectively. The aprons of six PPE kits used were made from the different materials viz., polyester, cotton polyester, polypropylene, water proof polyester, cotton C1 level (highly absorbent having up to 40% solvent penetration) fabric and cotton C2 level (highly repellent having up to 5% solvent penetration). The result showed that the energy grade of work was ‘light’ with all PPE kits. The wearing comfort for P6 PPE kit consisting of cotton C2 level fabric apron was 7.5 indicating ‘very comfortable’. The temperature difference between inside and outside of PPE kit made from cotton C2 level was 4.9ο C. The effect of six different PPE kits was significantly (p<0.01) different for working heart rate, work pulse, energy expenditure rate, maximum oxygen consumption (% VO2max), wearing comfort rating and % rise in temperature. Considering the effect on different ergonomic parameters, P6 PPE kit consisting of apron made from C2 level cotton fabric (200 GSM) was found ergonomically suitable for pesticide spraying in mango orchard. This study provides valuable insight for selection of the appropriate PPE kit for pesticide application in the mango orchards in Konkan Region, India.

Global Warming Potential and Life Cycle Cost of Conventional and Potentially Low-Carbon Philippine Swine Production Systems

This study identified and evaluated conventional and low-carbon swine production systems through a review of literature and visits to commercial farrow-to-finish swine farms in the Philippines, aiming to recommend a swine production system that cost-effectively reduces GHG emissions. Parameters assessed were greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, carbon and payback period, and return on investment through conduct of life cycle assessment. The identified conventional technologies are open-sided housing system, slatted flooring, modified manual feeding system, nipple drinker, and scrapper and power sprayer as cleaning systems. The identified low carbon technologies are low protein swine feed formulation supplemented with amino acids and partial substitution of soybean meal with Protein-Enriched Copra Meal (PECM), open-sided housing with cemented flooring, manual feeding system, bite ball valve, scrapper combined with power sprayer as cleaning system, and biogas digester as manure management system. These entailed a GHG emission reduction potential of 31.93% in reference to the conventional system. The low carbon production system accounted for higher return on investment of 36.75% and shorter payback period at 2.72 years, compared to the conventional system that yielded 19.96% and 5.01 years, respectively. The identified low carbon swine farm production system can be a cost-effective alternative to the conventional production system.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of spraying operations carried out by a drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in comparison to the conventional approach forthe management of safflower aphids (Uroleucon compositae Theob) and safflowercapsule borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner)

The safflower variety ISF-764 was sown in the second fortnight of November, 2020. The Experiment comprised of three treatments Viz., T1: Spraying of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml /ha) with UAV; T2: Spraying of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha) and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml/ha) with a power sprayer and T3: Untreated control. Both sprayers performed well in the management of Helicoverpa and Aphids. No Helicoverpa larval and Aphids populations were registered in T1: Spraying ofEmamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml /ha) with UAVs at 3DAS, 10 DAS, respectively. The highest seed yield benefit cost ratio were ecorded in the plot sprayed with UAVs (1691 kg /ha& 4.36).

Assessment of Electrostatic Sprayer Against Citrus Psylla <i>Diaphorina citri</i> Kuwayama in Kinnow Mandarin

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate and standardize the efficiency of electrostatic sprayer for checking citrus psylla Diaphorina citri population in kinnow mandarin orchards using the recommended insecticide imidacloprid @ 0.0071% and compared to standard knapsack sprayer and tractor mounted power sprayer. The results revealed that the use of electrostatic sprayer was significantly efficient in reducing >30% spray volume, covered significant more area (4.8-5.6 ha/ day), is labour saving (1 labour per operation) and much effective in reducing D. citri population by >80% after 14 days of spray in kinnow mandarin orchards.

Performance evaluation of tractor operated trailed type power sprayer

Effective spraying technologies and spraying equipment should be innovated for proper and optimum usage of chemicals. Tractor operated power sprayer is less time consuming, feasible for marginal and larger farms and also it provides more effective spraying. Tractor operated sprayer was tested and evaluated for its performance. Short run test deals with discharge rate determination that was found 44.59 l.min-1 (at minimum pressure 500 kPa), 44.68, 43.00 and 44.51 l.min-1 (at maximum pressure 20000 kPa), volumetric efficiency of piston pump was found 84.15%. In laboratory nozzle can target up to 6.5 m length. Field test was done for prediction of average working speed, theoretical and actual field capacity, field efficiency and time losses. On an average man can spray a field at a speed of 3.0 km.h-1 at covering length from gun was 3.65 m in field conditions. Theoretical field capacity was found 1.27 ha.h-1whereas actual field capacity was found 0.93 ha.h-1. Field efficiency was predicted as 73.20%. Average time required for filling the tank of 500 l capacity was 10 min. Field capacity of sprayer was found 1.40 ha.h-1.

Comparison of the efficacy of different methods to apply acaricides for control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

The present study compared the efficacy of different methods to apply an acaricide formulation to control Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. To compare the methods, an acaricide blend containing three active ingredients (a pyrethroid and two organophosphates) was used. In experiment 1 (farm 1: Goiânia, GO, Brazil), three methods were tested: a backpack sprayer (BS), power sprayer (PS) and spray race (SR). In experiment 2 (farm 2: São José do Rio Pardo, SP, Brazil), two methods were tested: BS and PS. In both experiments, 10 cattle with similar tick burdens were used. On day 0 in both experiments, the animals were treated with the acaricide. On day +1 (only in experiment 1), +3, +7, +14, +21, +28 and +35 (only in experiment 2), tick counts were performed to determine the control efficacy. The time application, pressure (KPa), volume applied (L) and ergonomic aspects of each spraying system were also evaluated. The adult immersion test (AIT) using three different acaricide blends (combinations of pyrethroid + organophosphate) was performed to compare the susceptibility of strains of each farm. In experiment 1, all treatments significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the number of ticks on the animals, and PS resulted in the greatest acaricide efficacy since day +1. In experiment 2, both treatments (PS and BS) reduced (p < 0.05) the tick burden, and as observed in experiment 1, PS resulted in the best reduction. The application times were 4.5, 150 and 330 s, while pressures were 306.8, 4,826.3 and 220.6 KPa for SR, PS and BS, respectively. In the AIT, the efficacy values were between 99.8 and 100% for the tick strain form farm 1 (Goiânia), while for tick strain from farm 2 (São José do Rio Pardo), the efficacy was between 67.2 and 80.9%. We conclude that the sprayer methods chosen influences the efficacy of the acaricide. All sprayer methods were efficient for acaricide application; the best efficacy was obtained using the PS, while the SR resulted in good efficacy and lower application time. The strain from farm 2 was less susceptible to all acaricides tested.

Pest Control using Bark Pesticide Applicator (BPA) in Citrus Plants

As a citrus pest,Toxopterasp. is classified as the main pest because the impact of the attack causes losses to the quantity and quality of the yield. Alternative pest control within insecticides in addition to using a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer is using Bark Pesticide Applicator (BPA), which is a tool to apply systemic pesticides through citrus stems optimally and serves to improve the efficiency of controlling main pests, safe for natural enemies, and environmentally friendly. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Indonesian Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Institute, Batu City, East Java, Indonesia from January to May 2018. This study compared the effectiveness of pesticide application devices using BPA and Power Sprayer (PS). The treatment was arranged using a randomized block design and repeated ten times. The test results showed that the application of pesticides with BPA was able to control aphids up to 93.84 % while PS was only able to suppress 29.48 %. Whiles the existence of natural enemies can be saved if the application of pesticides is carried out using BPA

Cost and Workload Assessment of Agricultural Drone Sprayer: A Case Study of Rice Production in Japan

The shortage of labor is one of the major challenges facing agriculture in Japan. Technological innovations are required to overcome the limitations of the workload per worker. One such innovation is smart agriculture, which utilizes advanced technologies such as robots, AI, and IoT. This study aimed to provide data on the workload and pest control costs for the development of sustainable agriculture. The cost of pest control was compared between a boom sprayer, power sprayer, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for two model rice farmers. The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and metabolic equivalent (METs) were used to measure workloads while using UAVs. The labor cost was reduced to half with the usage of UAVs compared with conventional machines. The resulting METs, or physical activity during pest-control work using UAVs, could be lower than those when using pest control machines. Through OWAS, 63.86% of the total jobs using UAVs were identified as having a low risk of musculoskeletal injury. The results suggest that UAVs could compensate for the shortage of workers, and these are effective tools to support the expansion of the agricultural area.

Adoption of Farm Mechanization in Rice Cultivation in Villupuram District

Rice is a predominant food crop that was extensively cultivated and consumed in India. Recently, small and fragmented land holdings and labour scarcity during the peak season are driving farmers toward farm mechanization. Villupuram is one of the prominent districts with the maximum area under rice cultivation. The study was conducted to examine the adoption level of various recommended implements and machinery by rice farmers in the Villupuram district. Of the 13 blocks of Villupuram district three blocks were selected for this study. A total of 120 farmers were selected for the study using a proportionate random sampling method. This study was conducted during April and may 2022. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents had a medium level of adoption of farm implements and machinery in rice cultivation. Most respondents adopted a combined harvester, tractor, power tiller, rotavator and power sprayer. None of the respondents adopted bund maker, seed cum fertilizer drill, rice cum Daincha seeder, rotary weeder, power weeder, drone operated sprayer, reaper and thresher. Custom hiring facilities are required to rent the equipment on a payment basis and awareness should be made on specific equipment like, seed cum fertilizer drill, power weeder, Conoweeder and rotary weeder.

Design and Developments in Different Types of Solar Modified Agricultural Spray Pump: A Review

Abstract: Pesticide spraying is a major challenge in agriculture for protecting crops from insects. Farmers are currently spraying with hand-operated or fuel-operated knapsack sprayers. This paper addressed various solar sprayers made by various researchers to reduce the human effort when spraying in the field and as part of pollution-free and ecologically friendly green energy. In this article, some of the benefits and limitations of solar sprayers have been found and discussed, and future research needs in green technologies have been highlighted. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive solution to agriculture's future energy requirements. Spraying does not happen all year long. As a result, the same PV (Photo-Voltaic) system used in solar sprayers may be used to power other agricultural operations such as pumping and lighting. Increased pricing and nonavailability of traditional power or fuel at peak times in remote areas are two variables that influence their adoption. Farmers' accessible solar sprayers have low field coverage capacities, posing health risks due to direct consumption of spray drift and, as a result, contaminating the environment with engine-powered sprayers. As a result, the focus should be on designing and developing self-contained renewable energy sources that can provide consistent electricity and meet the energy needs of farmers who are far away from their farms. Keywords: Agricultural Sprayers, Solar Power, pesticides, Agro-spray, Conventional energy, power sprayers, knapsack Sprayers

Pemanfaatan Power Sprayer Guna Mengendalikan Hama Kopi di Desa Klungkung Jember

Coffee is one of the plantation commodities that are in great demand in Indonesia. Coffee production in East Java is the largest in Indonesia, one of the coffee-producing areas in East Java, namely Jember Regency. Some of the factors causing it, one of them from cultivation techniques and inadequate care and maintenance. In particular, many coffee pests are not handled properly. In addition, there is a factor in the level of technology absorption and the application of farm management as well as a less efficient and effective marketing system which has an impact on the income level of farmers. Therefore, it is necessary to innovate cultivation techniques and maintain coffee plants in order to maintain optimal coffee growth and produce better fruit, so as to increase farmers' income. The microcontroller-based sprayer battery is an innovative sprayer to increase coffee production in Klungkung village. The stages of this service activity start from the stage of preparation and coordination with partners, digging information (literature studies) in compiling counseling and training materials from controlling plant pest organisms, especially coffee from spraying techniques according to SOPs, coffee production management, to the coffee marketing system. The results of this dedication is the farmer of Klungkung village get benefits in good coffee cultivation techniques and in spraying pests using Power Sprayer technology.

Droplet dispersal in decontamination areas of instrument reprocessing suites

BackgroundPersonnel working in sterile processing or endoscope reprocessing departments are at high risk of exposure to tissue, blood, and patient fluids when decontaminating reusable medical instruments and equipment. The effectiveness of protective measures for reprocessing personnel has not yet been systematically evaluated in real-world settings. ObjectiveThis pilot project aimed to identify reprocessing activities that generate splashes, determine how far droplets can travel in decontamination areas, and assess personal protective equipment exposure during routine activities. MethodsMoisture-detection paper was affixed to environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment in a sterile processing department. Droplet dispersal was assessed after personnel simulated performance of routine reprocessing tasks. ResultsVisible droplets were generated during every reprocessing activity except running the sonication sink. Droplets traveled at least 3 feet when filling a sink, brushing a ureteroscope, and using a power sprayer to rinse a basin. Some activities dispersed droplets up to 5 feet from the sink. Personal protective equipment was splashed during most activities and did not prevent skin exposure even when properly donned and doffed. ConclusionThis hypothesis-generating pilot project found that routine reprocessing activities generated substantial splashing, and currently recommended personal protective equipment did not adequately protect sterile processing personnel from exposure.

Deployment of combined technologies to smallholder farmers in Kenya: TAAT Clearinghouse technical report series 002

Deployment of combined technologies to smallholder farmers in Kenya: TAAT Clearinghouse technical report series 002

Assessment of Handler Exposure to Pesticides from Stretcher-Type Power Sprayers in Orchards

The production and export volume of fruits from China are among the top three in the world. Pesticides are applied to orchards more than 10 times a year to control pests, and stretcher-type power sprayers are widely used to apply chemical pesticides. However, an assessment of pesticide-handler exposure to pesticides in this scenario has not been reported in China. The test pesticide, 30% SYP-9625 concentrate diluted 3000 times, was sprayed on apple orchards in Beijing China. Experiments were conducted to assess dermal and inhalation exposure using standard whole-body dosimetry and air-sampling methodologies. The dermal deposition was the main route of exposure in this study. The dermal unit exposure (UE) of handlers was 350 mg·kg−1 a.i. of SYP-9625. The hands accounted for 59% of the total exposure and were the most exposed body part. Inhalation UE was 0.720 mg·kg−1 a.i. of SYP-9625 and was negligible compared with dermal exposure. We found that use of protective garments while using stretcher-type powers sprayers reduced dermal pesticide exposure. These results can be used as a reference for the handler’s safety in pesticide management and orchard mechanical management.

Design and Fabrication of Dual Power Sprayer

The world's population is growing rapidly. Food production must be increased in order to meet their dietary needs, but this must come at a cost that is affordable to everyone. Agriculture was the main source of food for the population. All agricultural equipment is rarely modernized due to its low productivity. In India, farming is done by traditional means, in addition to the large-scale development of the industrial and service sectors compared to the agricultural sector. There will be a lot of field work in the agriculture sector, such as weeding, weeding, sowing, spraying, etc. Apart from this spraying operation, the farmers play a vital role in the agricultural process of protecting the crop. Traditionally, the spraying of pesticides and insecticides is carried out by farm workers carrying backpack sprayers that require more human effort. Attention is paid to these important problems and an attempt is made to develop equipment that will be of benefit to the farmer in spraying operations. As we know, there were different types of agricultural sprayers like backpa. Because there is a lot of solar energy available in nature. So we will use solar energy in agricultural sprayers with the help of solar panels. Farmers face the problem of large area coverage in a short period of time. In this project work, we will manufacture a multiple power supply of fertilizer sprayer. And this manufactured equipment will cover the maximum area during spraying.

Dermal exposure assessment to trinexapac-ethyl: a case study of workers in golf course in Hawaii, USA.

Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) was more widely used in golf course worldwide. As a plant growth regulator, it inhibited grass development and delayed grass cutting date. Direct contact with TE by workers that handle and apply these agents can lead to harmful effects depending on the exposure dosage and duration. Many studies have focused on the growth regulation of TE in plants, while its health risks to human beings were rarely reported. Here, we investigated the risk assessment of workers directly dermal exposed to TE by using some absorbent paper patches. The exposure intensity (EI) and potential dermal exposure (PDE) of worker body sections were obtained, and different exposure patterns were compared. The EI of each body section among mixing/loading, hand-held power sprayer, and manual sprayer workers was ranging from 7.22 to 73.0 pg cm-2. The maximum EI of TE was found on hands of manual sprayers, while the minimum EI of TE was recorded on upper arms of mixing and loading workers. The maximum contribution sections was 29% for the chest and back from mixing/loading workers, 40% for the chest and back from hand-held power sprayers, and 32% for the thigh from manual sprayers. The unit weight potential dermal exposure (UWPDE) of hand-held power sprayers was 60% lower than that of manual sprayers, indicating that hand-held power sprayers were safer than those of manual sprayers. These findings revealed that trinexapac-ethyl posed relatively higher exposure risks to manual sprayer workers than other operator workers in golf course, mainly responsible for body sections of the chest and back and thigh.

The informatics adequacy on the spraying technology in Iraqi agricultural researches: A literature review

Many of the Iraqi agricultural researches are used spraying technique to add chemical products including pesticides and growth regulators. Various studies were performed to study the effect of these substances at different concentrations to improve plant production. In order to adopt specific criteria of spraying researches and to replicate them easily, it is a necessary to mention all information related to the spraying processes and regulations for improving sprayer’s performance by increasing the amount of pesticide deposited on the target. The current study aims to survey Iraqi researches in details and analyse them randomly. Also, to highlight on the importance of information applied in spraying techniques and its relationship with improving of agricultural production. The survey showed most of these researches does not mention sufficiently the basic information, especially in the spraying or calibrating processes. These processes are important to ensure the best distribution of spraying in the field depending on type of sprayer, nozzle type, and operating pressure. Also, some of these researches do not show the application rate of pesticide and the factors affected on it, which may lead to imbalance in homogenization of the pesticide distribution. This study recommended using a power sprayer to avoid the misapplication in droplets distribution in comparison with packback sprayers, which have a complication in the operating pressure and nozzle height regulation. Another recommendation was a necessity to select the perfect nozzle type that agrees with the global publications.

Development and evaluation of multi nozzle backpack type power sprayer

The study deals the development and evaluation of a multi-nozzle backpack type power sprayer, which can be used to spray at all stages of cotton crop by using the boom both in horizontal (during early stages of crop) and in vertical (during maturity stage) position. Three types of nozzles N1, N2 and N3 were evaluated in the laboratory at three pressures P1 (3.0 kg/cm2), P2 (4.5 kg/cm2) and P3 (6.0 kg/cm2) and at three target distances D1 (540 mm), D2 (340 mm) and D3 (250 mm). Based on laboratory results, rate of discharge, angle of spray and swath width were found non-significant for nozzle N1 and N3. Therefore, nozzle N1 and nozzle N2 were selected for spraying on cotton crops at different stages of growth (60, 75, 90 and 105 days after sowing).Water sensitive paper was fixed on the plant at three locations of canopy (up and down of leaf). Uniformity coefficient and droplet density varied from 1.19 to 2.91 and 34.33 to 76.67. However, at a particular stage of crop the uniformity index and droplet density for some combination of locations was found non-significant. Field capacity of Nozzle N1 and N2 decreased from 0.34 ha/h to 0.09 ha/h and 0.28 ha/h to 0.09 ha/h when the position of boom was changed from the horizontal to vertical positions. Fuel consumption for spraying with nozzle N1 and nozzle N2 increased from 0.42 l/h to 0.60 l/h and 0.37 l/h to 0.50 l/h when the position of boom was changed from horizontal to vertical positions.

Fabrication of Multipurpose Agricultural Tiller

The main objective of the project is development and fabrication of a multipurpose agricultural tiller which will perform a wide range of operations such as rotary, ploughing, seeding, pesticide spraying, harvesting, weeding at a reasonable cost to overcome the challenges faced by the farmer. The multipurpose agricultural tiller has been fabricated on a rigid chassis frame which holds a universal shaft on which rotary and wheels can be mounted. This universal shaft derives 8 BHP of power from a 4-Stroke IC engine placed firmly on the chassis frame. The mechanism used is such that the same engine drives the wheels, rotavator, harvester, pesticide sprayer, seeder, leaver, plough and trolley. The reciprocating motion provided to the harvester cuts the crop precisely, consuming less time as compared to conventional techniques of harvesting. A power sprayer is used which will facilitate spraying of pesticide at different heights of crop cultivation. A multi-way adjustable plough is also used whose position can be adjusted on a slide through frame according to the requirement of the farmer. A multi variety seeding operation is also setup. Multipurpose agricultural tiller can be easily afforded by average and marginal class of farmers.