Solid Set Canopy Delivery System Research Articles

Pneumatic spray delivery-based fixed spray system configuration optimization for efficient agrochemical application in modern vineyards.

The hydraulic spray delivery (HSD)-based solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) emitter configuration has been optimized for agrochemical applications in vertical shoot position (VSP) vineyards. It uses cost-prohibitive emitters, and their placement restricts the mechanical pruning activities. Therefore, this study focused on optimizing the spray performance of a pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)-based SSCDS variant that addresses the earlier issues. Three PSD-SSCDS emitter configurations (C1-C3) were designed using modified low-cost emitters (E1: modified flat fan, E2: 90° modular flat fan) for agrochemical applications in VSP vineyards. C1 had an E1 installed on trellis posts at 1.67 m above ground level. C2 had a pair of E2 installed per vine at 0.3 m below the cordon, while C3 combined the emitter placement of C1 and C2. The spray deposition (ng cm-2) and coverage (%) were quantified (mean ± standard error) using mylar cards and water-sensitive paper samplers placed within the canopy, respectively. Spray deposition for C1, C2, and C3 was 301.12 ± 63.30, 347.9 ± 66.29, and 837.6 ± 92.53 ng cm-2, respectively. Whereas spray coverage for corresponding configurations was 18.02 ± 2.63, 8.98 ± 1.84, and 28.84 ± 2.46%, respectively. Overall, configuration C3 provided significantly higher spray deposition and coverage than C1 and C2. Substantially reduced system installation cost and emitter density per hectare with improved spray performance were achieved by C3 compared to earlier optimized HSD-SSCDS configuration in the VSP vineyards. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative Spray Performance of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System and an Airblast Sprayer in Modern Apple Orchards

Highlights Airblast sprayer applications in modern apple orchards can produce high off-target drift. A pneumatic spray delivery based solid set canopy delivery system (PSD-SSCDS) can be an alternative solution. PSD-SSCDS had comparable spray deposition, but lower spray coverage compared to airblast sprayer. Airblast sprayer had significantly higher losses to the ground and aerial drift. PSD-SSCDS confined ground drift within 4.1 m with minimal spray losses to air. Abstract. A pneumatic spray delivery-based solid set canopy delivery system (PSD-SSCDS) has been successfully configured for efficient spray applications in modern apple orchards typical of the state of Washington state. This study investigates the spray performance of optimized PSD-SSCDS against an axial-fan airblast sprayer in terms of spray deposition, coverage, and off-target drift in a tall spindle architecture of a commercial apple orchard. For field evaluation, mylar cards and water sensitive paper samplers were placed in different canopy zones on either side of the leaf surface, and 500 ppm of biodegradable fluorescent tracer solution was sprayed with PSD-SSCDS and an airblast sprayer. Additionally, aerial and downwind samplers were installed to evaluate ground runoff and drift, as well as aerial drift. The spray deposited on the mylar cards was analyzed using fluorometry, and spray coverage on WSPs was evaluated using image processing techniques. PSD-SSCDS (645.0 ± 94.7 ng cm-2, mean ± standard error) and an airblast sprayer treatment (661.6 ± 26.9 ng cm-2) had comparable mean spray deposition with no significant difference in different canopy zones for both treatments. However, the spray coverage was significantly higher for the airblast sprayer (32.7 ± 2.4%) compared to PSD-SSCDS (22.5 ± 3.1%). These differences are likely due to air-assist in airblast spraying, which is absent in PSD-SSCDS. Evidently, the airblast sprayer had significantly higher losses to the ground and aerial drift compared to PSD-SSCDS, as the ground drift for the latter was mostly confined within 4.1 m downwind of the sprayed row and spray losses to air were minimal. Keywords: Crop protection, Fixed spray delivery, Off-target drift, Pneumatic spray delivery, Spray coverage, Spray deposition.

Characterization of irrigator emitter to be used as solid set canopy delivery system: which is best for which role in the vineyard?

The timely and flexible treatment of solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) is expanding. Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of three different irrigators (Pulsar™ system and nozzle combination), typically used in anti-frost and irrigation in vineyards/apple orchards, for plant protection product (PPP) delivery in a Guyot-trained trellised vineyard. Results showed that irrigator setups perform best when matched to the task-flat fan emitters for horizontal spray application (canopy top) and circular emitters for middle and low canopy application. A combination configuration of a double-sided flat fan and circular emitter system was indicated as the best option for homogenous coverage and minimal ground losses. The tested emitters hold promise for SSCDS delivery of PPPs in vineyards. Further validation of the alternative use of this technology is warranted. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Reservoir Units Optimization in Pneumatic Spray Delivery-Based Fixed Spray System for Large-Scale Commercial Adaptation

A pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)-based solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) consists of in-line reservoirs and micro-emitter assemblies distributed throughout perennial crop canopies. The existing PSD-based SSCDS uses a large number of reservoirs, i.e., one unit per 3 m of linear spacing, which resulted in high installation and maintenance costs. These reservoirs also produces up to 25% post-spray chemical losses. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the volumetric capacity and functionality of the existing reservoir for an efficient spray performance and the large-scale commercial adaptation of PSD-based SSCDS. Three reservoirs with volumetric capacities of 370 (1×), 740 (2×), and 1110 mL (3×) were developed to cover a spray span of 3.0, 6.1, and 9.1 m, respectively. Five system configurations with modified reservoirs and spray outlets were evaluated in the laboratory for pressure drop and spray uniformity. The three best system configurations were then field evaluated in a high-density apple orchard. These configurations had reservoirs with 1×, 2×, and 3× volumetric capacity and micro-emitters installed in a three-tier arrangement. Each replicate configuration was installed as a 77 m loop length encompassing 50 apple trees trained in a tall spindle architecture. A pair of water-sensitive paper (WSPs) samplers (25.4 × 25.4 mm) were placed on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces in the bottom, middle, and top third of the canopy to evaluate the spray coverage (%). The PSD-based SSCDS showed no significant difference at the 5% level in terms of coverage among the three reservoir treatments. Coverage was more evenly distributed among the top, middle, and bottom zones for the 2× and 3× as compared to the 1× reservoir treatment. Overall, compared to the 1× reservoirs, the 2× and 3× reservoirs could potentially reduce the system costs by USD 20,000 and USD 23,410 ha−1, respectively, for tall spindle apple orchards and potentially reduce maintenance needs as well.

Pneumatic spray delivery-based solid set canopy delivery system for oblique banded leaf roller and codling moth control in a high-density modern apple orchard.

Pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)-based solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) have demonstrated comparable spray deposition and reduced off-target drift compared with axial-fan airblast sprayers in high-density apple orchards. An important next step is to quantify whether PSD-based SSCDS can provide effective pest management. This study evaluated the biological efficacy of this fixed spray system variant and compared it with that of an axial-fan airblast sprayer. Partial field trials were conducted in a commercial apple orchard (cv. Jazz) trained in tall spindle architecture. Insecticides were applied at a rate of 935 L ha-1 (100 gallons per acre) for both application systems. Twenty-four hours after spraying, leaves and fruits were collected to prepare the laboratory bioassays enabling evaluation of efficacy against obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR) and codling moth (CM). OBLR mortality for SSCDS, airblast sprayer and untreated control treatments after 24 h of larval exposure was 91%, 98% and 4%, respectively and increased to 98%, 100% and 19% after 48 h. First-instar CM leaf bioassay mortality was 100% for SSCDS and airblast sprayer treatment, and 13% for the untreated control at 24 h post exposure. Larval CM mortality on fruit was 100% for SSCDS and airblast sprayer treatments, and 33% on the untreated control. Insecticides applied using SSCDS and an airblast sprayer had comparable larval mortality in all three assays, significantly higher than the untreated controls. These results suggest that PSD-based SSCDS may provide a viable alternative to axial-fan airblast sprayers in high-density apple orchards. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Emitter Modifications on Spray Performance of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System in a High-Density Apple Orchard

Optimally configured solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) can provide adequate spray performance in high-density apple orchards with a minimized risk of off-target pesticide drift. SSCDS configured in a shower-down emitter arrangement have been reported to be the simplest and most economical system. However, existing off-the-shelf emitters used in shower-down configurations have resulted in minimal deposition in lower canopy zones. Therefore, this study was focused on the modifications of off-the-shelf emitters to obtain a desirable spray pattern for adequate spray deposition in all the canopy zones. The modifications include redesigning the impact plate of two existing micro-emitters. Field tests were conducted to evaluate the spray performance of SSCDS with the non-modified emitters (treatment: SD1 and SD3) and contrast the results with modified emitters (treatment: SD2 and SD4). While the treatments SD1 and SD3 had off-the-shelf emitters with swivel plate and static spreader, respectively, the treatment SD2 and SD4 had similar emitters with modified impactor plates. In each treatment block, the apple canopy was divided into six zones and sprayed with a 500 ppm fluorescent tracer solution. Mylar cards and water-sensitive paper samplers were placed on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in each canopy zone to quantify spray deposition and coverage, respectively. The SSCDS treatments retrofitted with modified emitters, i.e., SD2 and SD4, were observed to have uniform and numerically higher deposition and coverage compared to SD1 and SD3. The SSCDS treatment with modified static spreader (i.e., SD4) resulted in the highest overall spray deposition (1405.7 ± 156.4 ng cm−2 [mean ± standard error]) with improved mid (1121.6 ± 186.9 ng cm−2) and bottom (895.6 ± 149.3 ng cm−2) canopy deposition. Overall, the proposed emitter modification assisted in improved SSCDS spray performances and may be a way forward toward large-scale emplacements of such systems.

Spatial Distribution of Spray from a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System in a High-Density Apple Orchard Retrofitted with Modified Emitters

Solid Set Canopy Delivery Systems (SSCDS) are fixed agrochemical delivery systems composed of a network of micro-sprayers/nozzles distributed in perennial crop canopies. A previous SSCDS design composed of a 3-tier configuration using hollow cone sprayer nozzles has been shown to provide excellent coverage and deposition in high-density apple orchards. However, the hollow cone nozzles substantially increases the initial system installation costs. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation micro-emitters replacement on spray deposition, coverage and off-target drift. A micro-emitter used in greenhouse irrigation systems was duly modified to enhance its applicability with SSCDS. After laboratory assessment and optimization of the micro-emitters, a replicated field study was conducted to compare 3-tier SSCDS configured with either of modified irrigation micro-emitters or traditional hollow cone nozzles. Canopy deposition and off target drift were evaluated using a 500 ppm fluorescent tracer solution sprayed by the field installed systems and captured on mylar collectors. Spray coverage was evaluated using water sensitive papers. The overall canopy deposition and coverage for treatment configured with modified irrigation micro-emitters (955.5 ± 153.9 [mean ± standard error of mean] ng cm−2 and 22.7 ± 2.6%, respectively) were numerically higher than the hollow cone nozzles (746.2 ± 104.7 ng cm−2 and 19.0 ± 2.8%, respectively). Moreover, modified irrigation micro-emitter SSCDS had improved spray uniformity in the canopy foliage and on either side of leaf surfaces compared to a hollow cone nozzle. Ground and aerial spray losses, quantified as deposition, were numerically lower for the modified irrigation micro-emitter (121.8 ± 43.4 ng cm−2 and 0.7 ± 0.1 ng cm−2, respectively) compared to the traditional hollow cone nozzle (447.4 ± 190.9 ng cm−2 and 3.2 ± 0.4 ng cm−2, respectively). Overall, the modified irrigation micro-emitter provided similar or superior performance to the traditional hollow cone nozzle with an estimated 12 times reduction in system installation cost.

Field Performance of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System Configured for High-Density Tall Spindle Architecture Trained Apple Canopies

HighlightsVariants of a solid set canopy delivery system were evaluated in a high-density apple orchard.A pair of hollow-cone nozzles installed in three tiers had optimum spray performance for studied crop growth stages.A shower-down arrangement of emitters was the simplest design but had lesser deposition on abaxial leaf surfaces.Abstract. Optimally configured solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) based spraying has potential to improve tree-fruit crop pest and disease management by reducing application time and eliminating dependence on ground conditions. In such an effort, this study attempted to optimize SSCDS variants. Four different emitter types (E1 to E4) installed in different mounting configurations (C1 to C4) were evaluated for spray deposition and coverage in a high-density apple orchard trained in tall spindle architecture. Emitters E1, E2, and E4 had full circle spray patterns, and E3 had a hollow-cone pattern. Configuration C1 had a pair of E1 emitters spraying in a vertical plane and installed between two trees at 1.5 m above ground level (AGL). Another E1 emitter spraying in a horizontal plane was mounted atop each tree at 3.3 m AGL. Configurations C2 and C4 had emitters (E2 and E4, respectively) mounted atop each tree at 3.3 m AGL, and C3 had a pair of E3 emitters installed in a three-tier arrangement between two trees in the crop row. During field trials, a tree canopy about 3.0 m tall was divided into three zones (0 to 1.4 m, >1.4 to 2.2 m, and >2.2 to 3.0 m AGL) as bottom, middle, and top canopy zones, respectively. Mylar cards were used to quantify spray deposition using fluorometry, and water-sensitive papers (WSPs) were used to quantify coverage using image processing. Configuration C3 with 80° hollow-cone nozzles in a twin-emitter, three-tier arrangement had the highest overall spray deposition (581.1 ±77.8 ng cm-2, mean ± standard error) and coverage (18.4% ±4.1%). Moreover, C3 also had a significantly higher coverage on the abaxial surfaces of leaves compared to the other configurations. Configurations C1 was non-optimal because it lacked abaxial surface coverage as the canopy grew in the middle and late growth stages. Moreover, significant spray runoff from leaf surfaces was observed visually in the middle zone for C1 during the middle and late stages. This may be attributed to canopy growth around the emitters. Configurations C2 and C4, with emitters in a shower-down arrangement, had the highest deposition and coverage in the top canopy zone compared to the middle and bottom zones. Configurations C2 and C4 also had significantly higher spray coverage on the adaxial surfaces of leaves compared to the abaxial surfaces. Overall, despite the complex design of configuration C3 with six emitters per tree, it may be the most ideal arrangement for agrochemical application in an apple orchard trained in tall spindle architecture. For commercial feasibility, we recommend exploring this three-tier SSCDS configuration with low-cost emitter alternatives. Pertinent continuing efforts have been published by our group in which we successfully modified low-cost irrigation emitters, and the resulting three-tier SSCDS configurations had improved spray performance over expensive hollow-cone nozzles. Keywords: Fixed spray system, High-density apple orchard, Solid set canopy delivery system, Spray coverage, Spray deposition, SSCDS.

Comparison of within canopy deposition for a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) and an axial–fan airblast sprayer in a vineyard

Solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) are novel ways of pesticide spray applications in modern high–density orchards and vineyards. Through our prior efforts, SSCDS variants have been tested and adjusted to provide optimal system configurations for spray application in high–density apple orchards and vineyards. This present study compared two prior optimized variants of an SSCDS comprising treatments with 1–tier and 2–tier of emitters/nozzles and an axial–fan airblast sprayer for spray performance in a modified vertical shoot position (VSP) vineyard. Such vineyards have the vine canes constricted under trellis wires, with the top of canes being loose and more sprawling. SSCDS 1–tier had a pair of full–circle emitters installed per vine at 76 cm above the cordon. For SSCDS 2–tier, two hollow–cone nozzles were installed per vine near the drip line at 45 cm above ground level in combination with additional emitters as in 1–tier. The sprayate was a fluorescent tracer dissolved in water at 500 ppm. Spray deposition and coverage were quantified in different canopy zones and on either side of leaf surfaces using mylar cards and water sensitive papers (WSPs) as samplers, respectively. The samplers were respectively analyzed using fluorometry and image processing techniques. Analysis of deposition data indicated statistically similar mean deposition for different treatments, however, uniformity of distribution was higher for the airblast sprayer treatment. Similar and uniform deposition on the mylar cards on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces was observed in all the treatments, indicating that emitters/nozzles placed within a canopy can deposit similar amounts of active ingredient as an airblast sprayer. Contrary to the deposition data, spray coverage was highest for the airblast sprayer (33.5 ± 2.8%) followed by SSCDS 1–tier (21.5 ± 2.9%) and 2–tier (19.9 ± 3.0%). Such differences could be because of the use of air-assist which was absent in SSCDS based application. In summary, SSCDS provided higher canopy deposition, however, the airblast sprayer provided higher spray coverage and better spray application uniformity. Prior biological efficacy studies in apple orchards have reported equivalent insect-pest control for SSCDS and airblast sprayer, notwithstanding the uniformity and heterogenous spray coverage. Therefore, future studies are warranted to collect season long pest management data in economically viable plot sizes in a vineyard.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Pneumatic Solid Set Canopy Delivery System for High-Density Apple Orchards

Abstract. Solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) are fixed spray systems that consist of a network of permanently plumbed emitters in high-density tree-fruit orchard canopies. Most of the previously configured SSCDS worked on the principle of hydraulic spray delivery (HSD), which may not be suitable for large-scale installation due to the drop in operating pressure caused by frictional losses in the spray lines. Therefore, a pneumatic spray delivery (PSD) based SSCDS was developed in this study for potentially achieving uniform spray application at all locations along the spray lines. A reservoir subsystem was developed to contain a precisely metered amount of spray liquid. Once filled, compressed air pushed through the spray lines can pressurize the reservoir to help deliver uniform spray into the canopy through emitters. In this study, HSD and PSD systems of 91 m set length were installed in a high-density apple orchard. Both systems were evaluated for variations in operating pressure, spray output, and spray performance. Spray performance was quantified during the middle (BBCH 75) and late (BBCH 85) apple (cv. WA-38 on tall spindle architecture) crop growth stages. Deposition and coverage in three canopy zones and on both sides of leaves were evaluated using Mylar cards and water-sensitive papers (WSP) as samplers, respectively. The Mylar cards and WSP were respectively analyzed using fluorometry and image processing. Statistically similar operating pressure (p > 0.05) was observed for the HSD and PSD systems at 3 m (286.1 and 284.1 kPa, respectively), 33 m (268.4 and 270.5 kPa), 60 m (260.6 and 268.9 kPa), and 87 m (255.3 and 257.9 kPa) from the row inlet. Despite the operating pressure drop, the PSD system had uniform spray output along the 91 m spray line. Compared to the HSD system, about 4%, 3%, 5%, and 20% higher spray output was delivered with the PSD system at 3, 33, 60, and 87 m, respectively, along the spray line. Overall, the PSD system had significantly higher mean spray deposition (p < 0.01) compared to the HSD system during the middle (521 and 382 ng cm-2, respectively) and late (631 and 409 ng cm-2, respectively) growth stages. The PSD system also had numerically higher spray deposition compared to the HSD system for all the canopy zones and on either side of leaf surfaces. Spray coverage trends were similar to deposition; however, the differences were not significant. Overall, the PSD-based SSCDS shows potential for large-scale installation, with additional refinements, for uniform spray applications in high-density apple orchards. Keywords: Hydraulic spray delivery, Pneumatic spray delivery, Solid set canopy delivery system, Spray coverage, Spray deposition.

Solid set canopy delivery system for efficient agrochemical delivery in modern architecture apple and grapevine canopies

Solid set canopy delivery system for efficient agrochemical delivery in modern architecture apple and grapevine canopies

Drift potential from a solid set canopy delivery system and an axial–fan air–assisted sprayer during applications in grapevines

Solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS), consisting of fixed spray micro–emitters distributed throughout the tree or vine crop canopy, has the potential to reduce off–target spray drift and deposition because they do not use air–assistance for spray delivery. This study evaluated two different SSCDS configurations and a conventional axial–fan air–assisted sprayer for drift potential in a modified vertical shoot position trained vineyard. The application systems were evaluated using 500 ppm solution of Pyranine 10G® as a fluorescent tracer. Spray was captured on mylar cards and water sensitive paper (WSP) samplers downwind the spray row. Samplers were placed above the canopy and on the floor between the vine rows. Spray material collected on mylar cards was quantified by fluorometry, and coverage was estimated by processing pertinent WSP images. Overall, the air–assisted sprayer had significantly higher losses to the ground and airborne spray drift compared to the two SSCDS configurations. The SSCDS had minimal amounts of spray losses to air (

Season Long Pest Management Efficacy and Spray Characteristics of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System in High Density Apples.

Solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) are a novel foliar agrochemical delivery system designed as an alternative for airblast sprayers in high density fruit production. This study tested the pest management potential, coverage, and chemical deposition of an SSCDS using commercially available microsprinkler components over the course of a growing season. Spray coverage and deposition for a representative airblast sprayer and SSCDS were evaluated using water sensitive paper and tartrazine dye, respectively. Foliar sprays for pest suppression were applied through both systems, and damage assessments were taken at the midpoint and end of the growing season. SSCDS sprays demonstrated similar levels of coverage on the adaxial leaf surface as airblast sprays, but significantly lower coverage on the abaxial surface. However, mean levels of foliar chemical deposition was generally higher in the SSCDS. Evaluations found minimal arthropod and fungal damage in both airblast and SSCDS treated plots compared to untreated trees. The SSCDS was shown to be a viable alternative to the airblast, with inherent advantages such as rapid application time and improved worker safety. Furthermore, higher deposition on SSCDS treated foliage supports the hypothesis that SSCDS provide a higher droplet capture rate in the canopy, with less off-target loss and drift than airblast sprayers.

Spray coverage and pest management efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system in high density apples.

Air blast sprayers are not optimized for spraying the short statured trees in modern apple orchards, resulting in off target drift and variable coverage. A solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) consisting of a microsprayer array distributed throughout the orchard was investigated as a replacement agrochemical application method in this study. SSCDS's have the potential to optimize coverage, rapidly spray applications, and remove the operator and tractor from the orchard. Air blast and SSCDS applications were compared using water sensitive paper, bioassays, and pest damage assessments. Pest management and coverage were compared using application volumes of 700 and 795 L ha-1 , respectively. In 2013, adaxial coverage measurements showed no difference between the treatments, but air blast sprayers had higher coverage levels on the abaxial surfaces. There were no significant differences in coverage in 2014. Bioassays using Choristoneura rosaceana fed on leaf discs treated by the SSCDS displayed 95.8% mortality in 2013 and 94.2% mortality in 2014, and air blast treated larval mortality was 95% in 2013 and 100% in 2014. Damage evaluations in both years generally showed no significant differences between the air blast plots and the SSCDS plots, but significant differences between the treated plots and untreated control. The prototype SSCDS was an effective pest management tool in high density apples, and offered a number of advantages over an air blast. Further engineering and research into coverage optimization would offer producers a novel tool for foliar agrochemical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Feasibility of a Solid set canopy delivery system for efficient agrochemical delivery in vertical shoot position trained vineyards

Solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) offer advantages such as reduced off–target drift and human exposure to chemicals compared to conventional axial–fan airblast sprayers. In this study, six different SSCDS configurations (C1–C6) with two different emitter types (E1 and E2) were installed in a vertical shoot position (VSP) trained grapevine and evaluated for spray deposition and coverage during early, mid, and late growth stages. Emitters E1 and E2 had full–circle and hollow–cone spray pattern, respectively. Configuration C1 had a pair of E1 emitters installed per vine at 760 mm above the cordon. Configurations C2 and C3 had 2 pairs of emitters (E2 and E1, respectively) installed per vine near the cordon and C4 was a combination of C1 and a pair of E2 emitters at the cordon. Configurations C5 and C6 had two E2 emitters per vine installed near the drip line, and C5 also had E1 emitters 760 mm above the cordon. Overall, configurations with emitters installed close to both the top and bottom canopy zones (i.e., C1, C4 and C5) provided the best coverage and deposition in a VSP trained vineyard. Deposition for C1, C4 and C5 was 588 ± 159 ng cm−2 (mean ± std. error), 653 ± 123 ng cm−2 and 607 ± 114 ng cm−2, respectively. Coverage for respective configurations was 19 ± 4%, 23 ± 4% and 25 ± 4%. Overall, deposition did not differ significantly between upper–and under–sides of leaves whereas deposition and coverage in the top and bottom zones differed significantly among different configurations.

Design and Evaluation of Solid Set Canopy Delivery System for Spray Application in High-density Apple Orchards

Abstract. Permanent or solid set canopy delivery (SSCD) system with certain types of emitters placed along the tree rows have shown promise in the past for foliar application in tree fruit orchards. However, limited knowledge exists in terms of designing a SSCD system for uniform canopy spray coverage in tree fruit orchards. This study examined the spray coverage in high-density, super spindle apple orchards created by different nozzles and their configuration within a canopy on a SSCD system. Three different types of emitters (sprinkler, full cone, and hollow cone) and two different design configurations were evaluated in the orchard using three consecutive tree fruit rows that were 9 m long. Application pressures were 241, 379, and 517 kPa. Coverage analysis on the upper- and under-side of leaves was determined using water sensitive cards (WSC) on three randomly selected trees (23= cards/tree). The results indicated that the design configuration with two 80° hollow-cone nozzles, installed at three different canopy heights, and spray application pressure of 379 kPa provided greater coverage on upper-side (87%) and on the under-side (50%) of tree leaves. Additional studies would have to be conducted for other fruit crops and training systems to optimize system design for intended spray coverage. Keywords: Application pressure, Emitter, Solid set canopy delivery, Spray nozzle, Spray coverage.

Automated Solid Set Canopy Delivery System for Large-Scale Spray Applications in Perennial Specialty Crops

Abstract. A solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) has the potential to be an efficient spraying technique because it minimizes chemical drift and allows timely spray applications even under adverse field conditions. A conventional SSCDS, working as a hydraulic spraying system, is controlled manually. Such operation makes it labor and time intensive for spray application in larger orchards. Therefore, a new hardware and software design was implemented in this project for field-level automation of a conventional SSCDS. An electronic control system (ECS) and a spray control unit (SCU) were developed and integrated with an improvised conventional SSCDS. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to provide user inputs to the ECS for valve actuation-based decision making. The SCU consisted of a microcontroller, a relay board, and a radio frequency (RF) module assisting in actuation of the solenoid valves in the desired sequence with commands from the ECS. Integrated RF trans-receiver modules facilitated closed-loop wireless communication between the ECS and SCU. This technical note elaborates on the successful integration of the hardware and software to achieve SSCDS automation and functionality, as well as the performance evaluation in a vineyard. The results confirmed the envisioned triggering sequence and solenoid valve actuation for different operating stages of the SSCDS over 120 m loop length. Moreover, the automated SSCDS had no significant differences in spray volume or pressure along the loop up to 82 m. Overall, the proposed integration will aid in automating SSCDS-based spray operation for larger orchards. To validate such a setup, further studies are planned for a centrally located control station and spraying several adjacent plots at a time. Keywords: Agricultural automation, Electronic control system, Precision spray application, Solid set canopy delivery, Spray control unit, Wireless communication.

Voice-Controlled and Wireless Solid Set Canopy Delivery (VCW-SSCD) System for Mist-Cooling

California growers in the San Joaquin Valley believe that climate change will affect the pistachio yield dramatically. As the central valley fog disappears, insufficient dormant chill accumulation results in poor flowering synchrony, flower quality, and fruit set in this dioecious species. We have developed a novel, user-friendly, and low-cost Voice-Controlled Wireless Solid Set Canopy Delivery (VCW-SSCD) system to increase bud chill accumulation with evaporative cooling on sunny (winter) days. This system includes: (i) an automated solid-state canopy delivery (SSCD) system; (ii) a wireless weather-, crop-related data acquisition system; (iii) a Voice-Controlled (VC) system using Amazon Alexa; (iv) a mobile application to visualize the collected data and wirelessly control the SSCD system; and (v) a smart control system. The proposed system was deployed and evaluated in a commercial pistachio orchard in Bakersfield, CA. The system worked well with no reported errors. Results demonstrated the system’s ability to cool bud temperatures in a low relative humidity climate. At an ambient temperature of 10–20 °C, bud temperatures were lowered 5–10 °C.

Spray coverage in apple and cherry orchards using a solid set canopy delivery system

Spray coverage in apple and cherry orchards using a solid set canopy delivery system

Efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) in sweet cherry and apple

Efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) in sweet cherry and apple