Research Project: Coordinated Precision Application Technologies for Sustainable Pest Management and Crop Protection

Location: Application Technology Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Development of an electric variable air assist system for apple orchard sprayers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jeon, H., Zhu, H. 2024. Development of an electric variable air assist system for apple orchard sprayers. Journal of the ASABE. 67(4):853-864. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15853.

Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part III. Effect of travel speeds on spray deposition and ground loss - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Roman, C., Jeon, H., Zhu, H., Ozkan, E., Campos, J. 2023. Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part III. Effect of travel speeds on spray deposition and ground loss. Journal of the ASABE. 66(6):1469-1479. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15699.

Review: The risks of spray adjuvants to honey bees - (Review Article)
Shannon, B., Jeon, H., Johnson, R. 2023. Review: The risks of spray adjuvants to honey bees. Journal of Insect Science. 23(6). Article 20. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/iead100.

Air-pinch PWM valve to regulate flow rate of hollow-cone nozzles for variable-rate sprayers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Campos, J., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Salcedo, R., Ozkan, E., Roman, C., Gil, E. 2023. Air-pinch PWM valve to regulate flow rate of hollow-cone nozzles for variable-rate sprayers. Journal of the ASABE. 66(5): 1317–1329. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15601.

Intelligent, variable-rate spray technology reduces total pesticide output while controlling foliar disease of Shumard oak - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Fessler, L., Xiaocun, S., Wright, W.C., Zhu, H., Fulcher, A. 2023. Intelligent, variable-rate spray technology reduces total pesticide output while controlling foliar disease of Shumard oak. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 41(3):109-120. https://doi.org/10.24266/0738-2898-41.3.109.

Wind tunnels and their uses to study variables affecting precision applications of agricultural sprays - (Review Article)
Womac, A., Ozkan, E., Zhu, H., Kochendorfer, J., Jeon, H., Eswarachandra, N. 2023. Wind tunnels and their uses to study variables affecting precision applications of agricultural sprays. Journal of the ASABE. 66(5):1135-1151. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15622.

Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part II. Sprayer development and performance evaluation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Roman, C., Jeon, H., Zhu, H., Campos, J., Ozkan, E. 2023. Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: Part II. Sprayer development and performance evaluation. Journal of the ASABE. 66(5): 1005-1017. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15578.

Evaluation of a laser-guided intelligent sprayer for disease and insect management on grapes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wodzicki, L.M., Madden, L.V., Long, E.Y., Zhu, H., Ivey, M.L. 2023. Evaluation of a laser-guided intelligent sprayer for disease and insect management on grapes. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. 74. Article 0740024. https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2023.23013.

Advanced spraying systems to improve pesticide saving and reduce spray drift for apple orchards - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xun, L., Campos, J., Salas, B., Fabregas, F.X., Zhu, H., Gil, E. 2023. Advanced spraying systems to improve pesticide saving and reduce spray drift for apple orchards. Precision Agriculture. 24:1526-1546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-023-10007-x.

Intelligent spray technology to control pests in nursery and orchard systems with reduced pesticide application rates - (Proceedings)

Field evaluation of electrostatic precipitators for particulate matter mitigation in a manure-belt layer facility - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Knight, R., Herkins, M., Hoctor, J., Milliken, S., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2023. Field evaluation of electrostatic precipitators for particulate matter mitigation in a manure-belt layer facility. Biosystems Engineering. 230:131-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.04.005.

Detection and infected area segmentation of apple fire blight using image processing and deep transfer learning for site-specific management - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mahmud, M., He, L., Zahid, A., Heinemann, P., Choi, D., Krawczyk, G., Zhu, H. 2023. Detection and infected area segmentation of apple fire blight using image processing and deep transfer learning for site-specific management. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 209. Article #107862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2023.107862.

Development and optimisation of full-scale prototype electrostatic precipitators in a laboratory for particulate matter mitigation in poultry facilities - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Knight, R.M., Hocter, J., Milliken, S., Herkins, M., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2023. Development and optimisation of full-scale prototype electrostatic precipitators in a laboratory for particulate matter mitigation in poultry facilities. Biosystems Engineering. 230:71-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.03.019.

Development of an automatic airflow control system for precision sprayers based on tree canopy density - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mahmud, M., Zahid, A., He, L., Zhu, H., Choi, D., Krawczyk, G., Heinemann, P. 2023. Development of an automatic airflow control system for precision sprayers based on tree canopy density. Journal of the ASABE. 65(6): 1225-1240. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.14972.

Assessment of PWM solenoid valves to manipulate hollow-cone nozzles with different modulation frequencies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Campos, J., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Salcedo, R., Ozkan, E., Gil, E. 2023. Assessment of PWM solenoid valves to manipulate hollow-cone nozzles with different modulation frequencies. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 39(2): 235-244. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.15415.

Evaluation of an electrostatic spray charge system implemented in three conventional orchard sprayers used on a commercial apple trees plantation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Salcedo, R., Sanchez, E., Zhu, H., Fabregas, X., Garcia-Ruiz, F., Gil, E. 2023. Evaluation of an electrostatic spray charge system implemented in three conventional orchard sprayers used on a commercial apple trees plantation. Crop Protection. 167: Article #106212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106212.

Target-oriented Intelligent Spraying - (Book / Chapter)

Unmanned aerial vehicle based tree canopy characteristics measurement for precision spray applications - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mahmud, M.S., He, L., Heinemann, P., Choi, D., Zhu, H. 2023. Unmanned aerial vehicle based tree canopy characteristics measurement for precision spray applications. Smart Agricultural Technology. 4:Article 100153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2022.100153.

Protect horticultural crops and ecosystems with sustainable intelligent variable-rate sprayers - (Proceedings)
Zhu, H., Booher, S., Vandenbark, G. 2022. Protect horticultural crops and ecosystems with sustainable intelligent variable-rate sprayers. In: SIMA Agritech Day 5th Edition, November 5, 2022, Paris, France. p.229-242.

Effects of electrode materials and dimensions of an electrostatic spray scrubber on water droplet charging for dust removal - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, X., Knight, R.M., Hocter, J.S., Zhang, B., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2022. Effects of electrode materials and dimensions of an electrostatic spray scrubber on water droplet charging for dust removal. Journal of Air and Waste Management Association. 72(12):1442-1453. https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2022.2120564.

Comprehension of PWM solenoid valves to control hollow-cone nozzles for precision variable-rate orchard sprayers - (Proceedings)
Zhu, H., Salcedo, R., Jeon, H., Ozkan, E., Gil, E., Campos, J., Romain, C. 2022. Comprehension of PWM solenoid valves to control hollow-cone nozzles for precision variable-rate orchard sprayers. In: SIMA Agritech Day 5th Edition, November 5, 2022, Paris, France. p.291-304..

A turbidity module to measure spray mixture concentration for premixing in-line injection system - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Ozkan, E., Wei, Z., Salcedo, R. 2023. A turbidity module to measure spray mixture concentration for premixing in-line injection system. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 39(1):13-21. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.15245.

Intelligent sprayer spray rates optimization to efficiently apply chemicals in modern apple orchards - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rathnayake, A.P., Sahni, R.K., Khot, L.R., Hoheisel, G.A., Zhu, H. 2022. Intelligent sprayer spray rates optimization to efficiently apply chemicals in modern apple orchards. Journal of the ASABE. 65(6):1411-1420. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.14654.

Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: part I. Controller development - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jeon, H., Zhu, H. 2022. Stereo vision controlled variable rate sprayer for specialty crops: part I. Controller development. Journal of the ASABE. 65(6):1397-1410. https://doi.org/10/13031/ja.15227.

Evaluation of a stereo vision as a canopy detection sensor for variable rate specialty crop sprayers - (Proceedings)
Jeon, H., Zhu, H., Roman, C., Campos, J., Salcedo, R., Ozkan, E. 2022. Evaluation of a stereo vision as a canopy detection sensor for variable rate specialty crop sprayers. Symposium Proceedings. SIMA Agritech Day 5th Edition, November 5, 2022, Paris, France. p. 317-328.

Status of spray penetration and deposition in dense field crop canopies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Womac, A., Ozkan, E., Zhu, H., Kochendorfer, J., Jeon, H. 2022. Status of spray penetration and deposition in dense field crop canopies. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 65(5):1107-1117. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15091.

Droplet size classifications for hollow-cone nozzles manipulated with two different PWM valves - (Proceedings)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Campos, J., Roman, C., Ozkan, E., Wei, Z., Gil, E. 2022. Droplet size classifications for hollow-cone nozzles manipulated with two different PWM valves. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Paper No. 2200272.

Evaluation of of PWM solenoid valves to manipulate hollow cone nozzles operated at high pressures and frequencies - (Proceedings)
Campos, J., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Ozkan, E., Salcedo, R. 2022. Evaluation of of PWM solenoid valves to manipulate hollow cone nozzles operated at high pressures and frequencies. ASABE Annual International Meeting. Paper No. 2200396.

Droplet size distributions from hollow-cone nozzles coupled with PWM valves - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Ozkan, E., Wei, Z., Gil, E., Campos, J., Roman, C. 2022. Droplet size distributions from hollow-cone nozzles coupled with PWM valves. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 65(4):695-706. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.15064.

Optimization of induction charging of water droplets to develop an electrostatic spray scrubber intended for poultry particulate matter mitigation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Knight, R.M., Li, X., Hocter, J.S., Zhang, B., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2022. Optimization of induction charging of water droplets to develop an electrostatic spray scrubber intended for poultry particulate matter mitigation. Journal of the ASABE. 65(4):815-824. https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.14913.

Characterisation of activation pressure, flowrate and spray angle for hollow-cone nozzles controlled by pulse width modulation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Jeon, H., Ozkan, E., Wei, Z., Gil, E. 2022. Characterisation of activation pressure, flowrate and spray angle for hollow-cone nozzles controlled by pulse width modulation. Biosystems Engineering. 218:139-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2022.04.002.

Foliar deposition and off-target loss in young apple orchard with PWM-controlled spray systems - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhu, H., Ozkan, E., Salcedo, R., Jeon, H., Flachieri, D. 2022. Foliar deposition and off-target loss in young apple orchard with PWM-controlled spray systems. Aspects of Applied Biology. 147:149-155.

Low-cost microcontroller-based device to measure kaolin clay concentrations for iso sprayer cleanout tests - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Jeon, H., Zhu, H. 2022. Low-cost microcontroller-based device to measure kaolin clay concentrations for iso sprayer cleanout tests. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 38(1): 135-143. https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.14764.

Reducing the nursery pesticide footprint with laser-guided, variable-rate spray application technology - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Fessler, L., Fulcher, A., Schneider, L., Wright, W.C., Zhu, H. 2021. Reducing the nursery pesticide footprint with laser-guided, variable-rate spray application technology. HortScience. 56(12):1572-1584. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16157-21.

LiDAR-sensed tree canopy correction in uneven terrain conditions using a sensor fusion approach for precision sprayers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mahmud, M., Zahid, A., He, L., Choi, D., Krawczyk, G., Zhu, H. 2021. LiDAR-sensed tree canopy correction in uneven terrain conditions using a sensor fusion approach for precision sprayers. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 191. Article 106565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2021.106565.

Chemical concentration and spatial uniformity of a premixing in-line injection system attached to a variable-rate orchard sprayer - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., Wei, Z., Salcedo, R. 2021. Chemical concentration and spatial uniformity of a premixing in-line injection system attached to a variable-rate orchard sprayer. Journal of the ASABE. 64(6): 1977-1987. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.14113.

Development of portable E-nose system for fast diagnosis of whitefly infestation on tomato plant in greenhouse - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cui, S., Cao, L., Acosta, N., Zhu, H., Ling, P. 2021. Development of portable E-nose system for fast diagnosis of whitefly infestation on tomato plant in greenhouse. Chemosensors. 9(11). Article 297. https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors9110297.

Retention and spread capability of impacted droplets with surfactant and hydrocolloid based adjuvants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Abbott, J.R., Zhu, H., Jeon, H. 2021. Retention and spread capability of impacted droplets with surfactant and hydrocolloid based adjuvants. Journal of the ASABE. 64(6):1883-1894. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.14461.

Modelling and optimisation of a wire-plate ESP for mitigation of poultry PM emission using COMSOL - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Knight, R.M., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2021. Modelling and optimisation of a wire-plate ESP for mitigation of poultry PM emission using COMSOL. Biosystems Engineering. 211:35-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.08.026.

Improved canopy characterization with laser scanning sensor for greenhouse spray applications - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Nair, U., Ling, P., Zhu, H. 2021. Improved canopy characterization with laser scanning sensor for greenhouse spray applications. Journal of the ASABE. 64(6):2125-2136. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.14290.

Reducing ground and airborne drift losses in young apple orchards with PWM-controlled spray systems - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Ozkan, E., Falchieri, D., Zhang, Z., Wei, Z. 2021. Reducing ground and airborne drift losses in young apple orchards with PWM-controlled spray systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 189. Article 106389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2021.106389.

Fluid dynamic approaches for prediction of spray drift from ground pesticide applications: a review - (Review Article)
Hong, S., Park, J., Jeong, H., Zhao, L., Zhu, H. 2021. Fluid dynamic approaches for prediction of spray drift from ground pesticide applications: a review. Agronomy. 11(6). Article 1182. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061182.

Development of a LiDAR-guided section-based tree canopy density measurement system for precision spray applications - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mahmud, M., Zahid, A., He, L., Choi, D., Krawczyk, G., Zhu, H., Heinemann, P. 2021. Development of a LiDAR-guided section-based tree canopy density measurement system for precision spray applications. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 182. Article 106053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2021.106053.

Management of pest insects and plant diseases in fruit and nursery production with laser-guided variable-rate sprayers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chen, L., Zhu, H., Horst, L., Wallhead, M., Reding, M.E., Fulcher, A. 2020. Management of pest insects and plant diseases in fruit and nursery production with laser-guided variable-rate sprayers. HortScience. 56(1):94–100. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15491-20.

Canopy spray application technology in specialty crops: A slowly evolving landscape - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Warneke, B., Zhu, H., Pscheidt, J., Nackley, L. 2020. Canopy spray application technology in specialty crops: A slowly evolving landscape. Pest Management Science. 77(5):2157–2164. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6167.

Foliar deposition and coverage on young apple trees with PWM controlled spray systems - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Zhang, Z., Wei, Z., Chen, L., Ozkan, E., Falchieri, D. 2020. Foliar deposition and coverage on young apple trees with PWM controlled spray systems. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 178. Article 105794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105794.

Droplet size spectrum, activation pressure and flow rate discharged from PWM flat-fan nozzles - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wei, Z., Zhu, H., Zhang, Z., Salcedo, R. 2021. Droplet size spectrum, activation pressure and flow rate discharged from PWM flat-fan nozzles. Transactions of the ASABE. 64(1):313-325. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.14100.

Assessment of chemical concentration accuracy and mixture uniformity of premixing in-line injection system - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., Salcedo, R., Wei, Z. 2020. Assessment of chemical concentration accuracy and mixture uniformity of premixing in-line injection system. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 176. Article 105670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105670.

Evaluation of the Intelligent Sprayer System in peach production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Boatwright, H., Zhu, H., Clark, A.C., Schnabel, G. 2020. Evaluation of the Intelligent Sprayer System in peach production. Plant Disease. 104(12):3207-3212. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-20-0696-RE.

Evaluation of PWM technologies for pesticide spray applications in a two-year old apple orchard - (Proceedings)
Salcedo, R., Zhu, H., Zhang, Z., Wei, Z., Chen, L., Ozkan, E. 2020. Evaluation of PWM technologies for pesticide spray applications in a two-year old apple orchard. In:Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE), July 13-15, 2020, Virtual Meeting. ASABE Paper No. 2000079.

Effect of pressure fluctuation on droplet size distribution from pulse width modulated nozzles - (Proceedings)
Wei, Z., Zhu, H., Salcedo, R., Zhang, Z. 2020. Effect of pressure fluctuation on droplet size distribution from pulse width modulated nozzles. In:Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE), July 13-15, 2020, Virtual Meeting. ASABE Paper No. 2000124.

Graphical user interface design for premixing in-line injection system attached to a variable-rate orchard sprayer - (Proceedings)
Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., Wei, Z., Salcedo, R. 2020. Graphical user interface design for premixing in-line injection system attached to a variable-rate orchard sprayer. In:Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE), July 13-15,2020, Virtual Meeting. ASABE Paper No. 2000099.

Quantitative analysis and correction of temperature effects on fluorescent tracer concentration measurement - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., Guler, H. 2020. Quantitative analysis and correction of temperature effects on fluorescent tracer concentration measurement. Sustainability. 12(11):4501. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114501.