Field evaluation of a Tri-Set spray nozzle for aerial application and discussion on release of biological control agents

Authors: Huang, Yanbo; THOMSON, STEVEN - National Institute Of Food And Agriculture (NIFA)

Submitted to: International Journal of Precision Agricultural Aviation (IJPAA)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2020
Publication Date: 6/20/2020
Citation: Huang, Y., Thomson, S. 2020. Field evaluation of a Tri-Set spray nozzle for aerial application and discussion on release of biological control agents. International Journal of Precision Agricultural Aviation (IJPAA). 3(2):40-47. https://doi.org/10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200302.75.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200302.75

Interpretive Summary: Testing and evaluation of spray nozzles for aerial application of pesticides are important for improving the efficiency and performance of the spray systems for effective crop protection. Scientists of USDA-ARS Crop Production Systems Research Unit at Stoneville MS has been evaluating nozzles to assess impact factors of downwind deposition from aerial spray application. This paper reports another nozzle test in the field to evaluate the nozzles' spray deposition and discuss its potential use for aerially spraying biological control agents. The results indicated that the nozzles with larger droplet setting would be possible to spray some water dispersible granule formulations of biological control agent and some other nozzles would be useful in spraying a non-toxigenic biological control agent to combat a poisonous fungus by product in corn field.

Technical Abstract: Application efficiency and efficacy from aerial platforms to release liquid formations has been studied extensively in terms of optimal nozzle/atomizer setups, adjuvant mixes, weather conditions, and aerial spray release heights. We have evaluated CP-11 flat-fan nozzles to assess impact factors of downwind deposition from aerial spray application. On the basis, Davidon tri-set nozzles were evaluated as well. When applying liquid tank mixes from aerial platforms, there are numerous nozzle types available with differing spray characteristics. More information is needed, however, on the ability of aerial delivery systems to effectively apply biological agents. The release of non-toxigenic A. flavus into corn fields has shown promise as a biological control agent for aflatoxin producing strains of the fungus. However, the application of a coarse granule to mature, two-meter-tall corn is a challenge. Thus, there would be substantial advantages to a liquid formulation with necessary identification of appropriate adjuvants to disperse the highly hydrophobic spores of A. flavus. This paper presents the experiment and preliminary data analysis of testing and evaluating Davidon tri-set nozzles, and discusses what we need to know for effective use of these and other nozzles for potential application of biological control agents, especially Afla-Guard®, a commercially available product containing non-toxigenic A. flavus as a biological control agent, and related products into corn fields.