“The standard ground application at 2 miles per hour, delivering about 200 gallons per acre with an Air-O-Fan, remains among the best in coverage however, above 12 feet within the tree, there is a severe drop-off in coverage and residue deposition,” he said. Tower sprayers can improve this uniformity of spraying trees, especially for the upper parts of the canopy, but don’t work as well for the lower parts of the tree canopy in terms of coverage. Higbee added that a typical ground sprayer covers the bottom half of the tree efficiently, while the top half receives relatively weak coverage. Higbee’s presentation highlighted research on quantifying spray coverage at various elevations, as well as positioning of the spray, along with machinery comparisons to improve performance of residual insecticides in controlling navel orangeworm. “We don’t have a lot of options when it comes to controlling navel orangeworm the diamides and insect growth regulators are the main groups we have, along with mating disruption.” Higbee noted, “What we need to keep in mind is that the place the residues need to be to have the most effect is on the hull - the nut itself,” adding that the problem in targeting residues on almond hulls and nuts is that canopy density and the dynamics of hull splitting make this difficult. “Our studies are directed at controlling navel orangeworm and improving the performance of the products that we have,” said Brad Higbee, director of Entomology Research, Wonderful Orchards. Fine-tuning sprayers for the conditions of each application can therefore help improve spray coverage while also reducing off-site movement of pest control materials.ĭuring last December's Almond Conference in Sacramento, almond growers heard about research regarding fine-tuning spray efficacy from industry leaders and specialists. Good coverage results in improved efficacy as well as reduced spray drift and less wasted material on the ground.

Call now and arrange a demonstration in your vineyard, orchard, grove or nursery.Spray efficacy in orchards has been the subject of in-depth research on effective application approaches for many years, with the focus on improvements in spray coverage. Find out today what the LectroBlast® Advantage can mean to you. Being local also means parts are readily available from the factory or one of several parts depots located in all regions of California, Oregon, Washington and Mexico, with more states and countries to come. They are designed and built for tough, high use conditions growers face every day. LectroBlast® Electrostatic Sprayers are made in Modesto, California. Simply Better Coverage and Simply Better Built. Reduce worker exposure to hazardous materials Reduced spray drift and waste of costly chemicalsīetter coverage is only part of the story LectroBlast® Electrostatic Sprayers deliver better coverage: These Sprayers are designed and built for tough, high use conditions growers face every day. of Modesto, California manufactures and sells LectroBlast® Electrostatic Sprayers.

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