Lessons learned and evaluation of Pessl spray calibration machine

Gwen-Alyn HoheiselWSU ExtensionGrapes, Tree Fruit, Other Specialty Crops

Background

What we know ….

1. Calibration is critical2. Good coverage is critical3. Canopy shape can change between crops and

blocks4. We should spend more time on our sprayers,

but….

Our Evaluation

May 27-June 19 we tested a Pessl

1. Can it be used in extension/farm operations to calibrate vertical spray patterns?

2. How are some of our Washington sprayers performing?

WSU Pest Management

Transition Project

The Pessl

Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape

• Evaluates nozzle output on standard T-jet nozzles

• Assesses vertical spray distribution of any sprayer

• Outputs data to a computer where reports can be generated.

The Pessl

Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape

Test 1: Nozzle Output

The Pessl

Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape

Test 2: Vertical Spray Pattern

Spray 14’ to 20” from ground

Our Evaluations

4 Field Days

16 Growers

1 Manufacturer

From Okanagon to Prosser

Food For Thought

Grower Calibrations – Nozzles

3. Even with a defined maintenance schedule still problems

1. Only 1 airblast sprayer had 100% of their nozzles working properly.

2. Range from manufacturer specifications = -43.1% to 44.5%

6’

Grower Calibrations – Patterns Before

7’9.5’

After

Airblast Sprayers: • Almost always a bad

pattern until nozzles corrected

• Easy to adjust

• Can easily keep track of multiple angles for various shaped canopies

Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n

Cropland Tower Sprayer: • Initial patterns were consistently in

a sinus wave • • Pattern was improved by

broadening spray (i.e. increased distance from canopy and angled nozzles out)

• Fairly intuitive/user friendly to adjust

Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n

6-headed tower sprayer (Accutech):

• Usually good distribution, but needed to shift up.

• Confusing to operator on how to adjust spray.

• Easy to adjust angle of entire head.

• No clogged nozzles

Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n

4-headed tower sprayers (Accutech & LectroBlast):

• Initial spray set with heads at maximum distance apart.

• Good swirl, bad pattern

• Bring the heads closer together.

Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n

The Future

Development Of A Smart Targeted Spray Application Technology Roadmap

For Specialty Crops Hoheisel, Gwen-Alyn -- Washington State University Brunner, Jay -- Washington State University Castagnoli, Steve -- Oregon State University Giles, Ken -- UC Davis Derksen, Rich -- USDA-ARS Landers, Andrew -- Cornell University Niederholzer, Franz -- UC Ag Natural Resources Pitts, Marvin -- Washington State University Zalom, Frank -- UC Davis Zhang, Qin -- Washington State University

The FutureAn SCRI Planning Grant

Bring groups of people together

Our thoughts Collaborative WorkAsk the Industries to guide our workDevelop a long-term coordinated effort for

grapes, tree fruit and nuts.

The FutureOur Defined Goals in Grant

1) identify application technology needs of producers and manufactures;

2) review and assess existing application technologies plus relevant or supporting technologies integratable to more efficient application;

3) identify roadblocks to adoption of existing application aids; 4) create a roadmap for application technology research and extension; and

5) develop a full scale proposal for research and extension in FY 2011. 

The FutureAccomplished by….

1. Literature Review

2. Survey

3. Focus Group Meetings & Other communications

The FutureMost Important Item …….

We listen to you.You guide our efforts.

Interested?

Gwen Hoheisel

ghoheisel@wsu.edu

509-788-5459