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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Wooster, Ohio » Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #280285
Title: Two intelligent spraying systems developed for tree crop production

Author
item Zhu, Heping
item OZKAN, ERDAL - The Ohio State University
item Derksen, Richard
item Reding, Michael - Mike
item Ranger, Christopher
item CANAS, LUIS - The Ohio State University
item Krause, Charles
item Locke, James
item ERNST, STANLEY - The Ohio State University
item ZONDAG, RANDALL - The Ohio State University
item FULCHER, AMY - University Of Tennessee
item ROSETTA, ROBIN - Oregon State University
item JEON, HONG - Dow Agro Sciences
item CHEN, YU - The Ohio State University
item GU, JIABING - Nanjing Agricultural University
item LIU, HUI - The Ohio State University
item SHEN, YUE - The Ohio State University
item RIOS, ALFREDO - The Ohio State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2012
Publication Date: 9/18/2012
Citation: Zhu, H., Ozkan, E., Derksen, R.C., Reding, M.E., Ranger, C.M., Canas, L., Krause, C.R., Locke, J.C., Ernst, S.C., Zondag, R.H., Fulcher, A., Rosetta, R., Jeon, H.Y., Chen, Y., Gu, J., Liu, H., Shen, Y., Rios, A.A. 2012. Two intelligent spraying systems developed for tree crop production. Meeting Abstract. 6th National Small Farm Conference,Memphis TN, September 18-20, 2012. p. 69-70.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Precision pesticide application technologies are needed to achieve efficient and effective spray deposition on target areas and minimize off-target losses. Two variable-rate intelligent sprayers were developed as an introduction of new generation sprayers for tree crop applications. The first sprayer was a hydraulic vertical boom spraying system using ultrasonic sensors to detect tree size and volume, and the second sprayer was an air-assisted spraying system using a laser scanning sensor to quickly measure the entire tree structure. The automatic controllers consisted of a computer program, a signal generation and amplification unit, and pulse width modulated solenoid valves. The controllers provided variable flows to nozzles based on tree characteristics and plant occurrence. Application qualities of the sprayers were field tested against industry standard application rates using multiple plant species. Laboratory and field tests demonstrated that both sprayers had the capability to control spray outputs that continuously matched canopy characteristics in real time, and significantly reduced chemical off-target losses to the air and ground. Compared to the constant application rate of 50 gpa, the intelligent sprayers reduced the application rate by 52 to 86%. During field trials, pest control for select insects and diseases was not different from conventional sprayers.