Author
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HALL, FRANKLIN - OSU/OARDC/LPCAT |
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Fox, Robert |
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Submitted to: Pesticide Formulation and Application Systems Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/31/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Pesticide drift is a concern to applicators, to their neighbors and to environmental agencies. This article reviews research on pesticide drift from ground and aerial spraying of field and orchard crops. Pesticide drift can be reduced by spraying larger droplets, releasing droplets nearer the ground, spraying when wind speeds are low and when droplet evaporation is minimal, and by spraying the least amount of active ingredient necessary to control pests. Drift effects may be mitigated further by using sprayer shields, by leaving unsprayed buffer zones around the fields, and by using wind breaks. The most effective method to reduce drift hazards in the short term is applicator education. Training should include proper use of spray equipment (maintenance and calibration of sprayers, including nozzle selection for desired application), how to monitor wind and other environmental factors to reduce spray movement to sensitive areas, and scouting techniques so that pesticides are applied only when required and at rates as low as possible. In the longer term, spray drift may be reduced by using unique sprayers (with shields, special fans, or towers), by developing trees that are smaller and easier to spray, by using wind breaks downwind of the orchard to filter airborne spray, by controlling spray droplet size accurately, by developing sensors that could warn of spray cloud movement, and by developing special spray practices for those parts of the fields on the downwind edge. There is no single technology or method that will eliminate drift completely, however the amount of drift from sprayed fields can be reduced greatly if spray practices are improved and all available technology is used to best advantage. |
