Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Farmers and fruit growers across the USA. The audiences were predominately the owners or managers of vineyards and orchards, although a growing number of growers are bringing their employees to the meetings and workshops/conferences. This is particularly important as a broader brush approach, particularly when sprayer operators are present,is a very usefulmethod of getting the research to a wider audience. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided plenty of opportunities for growers to develop their knowledge of fruit crop spraying, from 30 minutes presentations to one-day workshops. For me, I have met plenty of growers and it is always a two-way conversation, so I have learned a lot from the industry. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been disseminated via academic journals and internet journals. Also via traditional conference and workshop presentations. ! webinar was conducted using the internet and this presentation has been posted for further instruction. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Under objectives 2-5 of the original goals I have conducted a number of farmer/fruit growers demonstrations and workshops during 2017. I conducted 6 extension meetings in New York, 1 in Texas and 1 in Iowa, 1 in Kentucky. # workshops were held overseas and 1 webinair was conducted. I also held 5 one-day workshops in New York.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
T. Palleja Cabre, J. Llorens, and A. J. Landers. (2017). Measuring crop canopy the development of a dynamic system for precision fruit crop spraying. In: Advances in Animal Biosciences: Precision Agriculture (ECPA) 2017, (2017), 8:2, pp 250254
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
A .J.Landers, T Palleja Cabre, J Llorens. (2017). Measuring canopy density in orchards and vineyards
In Proc: Supro Fruit 2017, 14th workshop on spray application techniques in fruit growing.
Eds. Bylemans, D., Milissen, M., Ruysen, K. pp.62-63 Belgium: Proefcentrum Fruitteelt vzw
Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
T Palleja, J Llorens, A. J. Landers. (2017). The electronic measurement of spray coverage
In Proc: Supro Fruit 2017, 14th workshop on spray application techniques in fruit growing.
Eds. Bylemans, D., Milissen, M., Ruysen, K. pp. 76-77. Belgium: Proefcentrum Fruitteelt vzw
Fruittuinweg 1, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Landers, A.J., Palleja Cabre T. and Llorens, J. (2017). Technologies for the precise application of pesticides. Infowine the internet journal of viticulture and enology. 2017 N2/1. February-March 2017. www.infowine.com
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Palleja, T, Landers, A.J. (2016). Electro-leaf, a bio mimicry system to estimate in-canopy air flow in fruit crops. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 127 (2016) 606-614
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Zhai, C., Landers, A.J., Zhang, B., (2017). An RFID solution for orchard and vineyard sprayer's movement identification and a spray monitoring and guiding system. In: Precision Agriculture. July 2017. DOI 10.1007/s11119-017-9531-8
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:I have spoekn to academic or scientific conferencesand seminars, to grower or farmer groups and to stundent classes throughout the nation and overseas. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?I have conducted 5 training workshops on Effective Vineyard orEffective Orchard spraying across New York State, each class has 40 farmers on it and the project has enabled me to demonstrate/teach the very latest in precision spraying development. We have also demsonstrated the electro-leaf, deposition sensor and the ultrasonic precision sprayer to the IFTA annual tour which was held in NY in the summer of 2016, over 400 growers attended from across the world. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, as mentioned above to both fruit growers and to academic communities. The growers were attending the IFTA tour and the scientific communtiy attending the aab conference held in Barcelona, Spain. We have also published our results in academic journals of note, such as Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. The farming press, namely the Good Fruit Grower and American Fruit Growerboth wrote an articlefollowing the demonstration of the precision sprayer to the IFTA tour in August 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue with field trials to validate the droplet sensor and to continue the education thrust via 1 published journal paper, 2 academic conference papers and another series of Effective Spraying workshops for fruit growers.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have accomplished many things in the past year. We have successfully developed the sensor system using ultrasonic sensors and tested it against the standard PQA method of density assessment. This work has been field tested, published and presented at conferences. We have developed a working in-canopy ariflow measuirng device, the electro-leaf and demonstrated it and published our results. We have continued our work with the dropplet sensing device for placing in the crop canopy and have shown growers how it works. We are awaiting publication of this research.
Publications
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Landers, A.J. (2016) Effective orchard spraying. 334pp. Keuka Park: Effectivespraying.com
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Landers, A.J. (2016) Effective vineyard spraying. 340pp. Keuka Park: Effectivespraying.com
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Palleja, T, Landers, A.J. (2016). Electro-leaf, a bio mimicry system to estimate in-canopy air flow in fruit crops. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 127 (2016) 606-614
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Landers, A.J., Palleja Cabre T. and Llorens, J. (2016). Technologies for the precise application of pesticides into vineyards. In Proc. International Cool Climate Wine Symposium, Brighton, UK., p.66 Brighton: Plumpton College
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Palleja, T, Landers, A.J. (2016). Orchard and vineyard real time spraying adjustments using ultrasonic echoes. In: Aspects of Applied Biology 132. International advances in pesticide application. Pp 405-410.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Palleja, T, Landers, A.J., Llorens, J. and Gil, E. (2016). Real time spraying adjustments using in-canopy sensors to measure coverage. In: Aspects of Applied Biology 132. International advances in pesticide application. Pp 129-135.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:I have spoken to farmer and grower audiences across the USA at various grower meetings.All auudiences were active growers. Meetinhgs were either in conference or workshop settings or in field settings via extension meetings Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?My research colleague has presented a number of talks, this has given him professional development in the art of preparation and presentation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Via conference proceedings, extension handouts or via video link systems. Reports have been written. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue with our development trail, we have have had good results to date and are confident we can fine tune our water drolet sensor and make great strides via winter lab testing and field tests.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Under all the objectives above we have accomplished them. We have reduced drift and imporved deposition by automating the air flow adjuster and monitored spray deposition with our sensor. We have conducted many trials and published the results to date, we have participated in extension meetings, either in-field or cnference room.
Publications
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Pesticide application technology for vineyards. Pp.185-192. Compendium of grape diseases, disorders and pests. 2nd ed. Wilcox, W.F., Gubler, W.D and Uyemoto, J.K., eds. St. Paul, MN: The American Phytopathological Society
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Palleja T. and Landers, A.J, (2015). Precision fruit spraying: measuring canopy density and volume for air and liquid adjustment. In Proc. SuproFruit 13thWorkshop Spray application in fruit growing. Lindau, Germany. Pp.76-77. Julius Kuhn Archiv No. 448
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Landers, A.J., Zhai, C., Llorens, J. and Larzelere, W. (2015). In Proc. SuproFruit 13thWorkshop Spray application in fruit growing. Lindau, Germany. Pp.74-75. Julius Kuhn Archiv No. 448
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Palleja T. and Landers, A.J, (2015). Real time canopy density estimation using ultrasonic envelope signals in the orchard and vineyard. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 115 (2015) 108117
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Agnello, A., Landers, A.J., Loeb, G. (2015) A fixed-spray system for Spotted Wing Drosophila management in high tunnel bramble crops. The Journal of Berry Research 5 (2015) 8188
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: I HAVE REACHED OVER 4,000 FARMERS AND GROWERS THROUGHOUT THE USA VIA TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS. THE GROWERS ARE FRUIT FARMERS, IN THE MAIN THEY ARE APPLE GROWERS AND GRAPE GROWERS, PREDOMINATELY IN THE FRUIT GROWING REGIONS OF THE USA. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? We developed a completely automated tree and vine sensing system based upon canopy density using ultra sonic sensors which we have shown to Cornell university and Finger Lakes community College students in NY. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Via conferences, grower workshops and field demonstrations across NY and California. via press releases, trade articles in trade magazines and in journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? I plan to continue with the excellent mix of lab studies and field trials and continue to report via the well-proven outlets used so far.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objectives: 1.Decrease the risk of environmental pollution by reducing drift. 2.Improve deposition within the canopy of fruit trees and grapevines. 3.Develop a precision sprayer which will automatically adjust air and liquid volume according to canopy density 4.Develop a system of monitoring spray use to provide traceability to processors, growers and consumers. Expected outputs - Improvement in deposition. Applying the correct amount of spray to the target will increase efficiency and result in better insect and disease control. Canopy monitoring techniques will reduce waste and therefore improve the budgets of the growers. - A precision sprayer. Precision is required if we are to apply the correct amount to an ever-changing canopy. -Traceability. Society requires more and more information on all the food processes. Processors of foods, e.g. apple juice and grape juice also require detailed pesticide records. An automatic data logging system will provide genuine application records and provide the consumer/processor with confidence in their food. Milestones Objective 1 Drift reduction - testing at NYSAES - year 1 - field testing with growers Year 2 - extension demos Yrs 2-5 Objective 2 Improving deposition Testing at NYSAES - Years 1 and 2 Field testing - Years 2 and 3 Extension demos - Years 2-5 Objective 3 Develop precision sprayer Testing at NYSAES - Years 1, 2 and 3 Field testing - Years 2, 3 and 5 Extension demos - Years 2- 5 Objective 4 Develop traceability system. Testing at NYSAES - Years 1 and 2 Field testing - Years 2 and 3 Extension demos - Years 2-5.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Palleja Cabre, T. and Landers, A.J (2014). Precision spraying in the orchard and vineyard measuring canopy density. NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 22 No. 4 Winter
Agnello, A., Landers, A.J. and Loeb, G. (2014) A Fixed spray system for spotted wing drosophila management in high tunnel raspberries. NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 22 No. 3 Fall pp19-23
Zhai, C., Landers, A.J and Zhang Bo (2014) Performance of Orchard and Vineyard Spray Monitoring System using RFID Technology. Paper 2014-0049 Proc. 18th World Congress CIGR Agricultural Engineering, 18th September, Beijing, China
Landers A.J. (2014) Technologies for the precise application of pesticides in orchards. IFTA, Compact Fruit Tree. Vol. 47 No. 2. Pp. 21-26
Llorens , J and Landers A.J. (2014) Variable rate spraying: digital canopy measurement for air and liquid electronic control. In: Aspects of Applied Biology 114. International advances in pesticide application. Pp 1-8
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Fruit growers, particularly apple and grape growers throughout the USA and in particular the North East US. Researchers throughout the USA and in Europe. Students at Cornell University. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training oportunities include updating on electronic components and systems development for all involved in this exciting project. Field trial methods and laboratory analysis for our visiting summer scholar, Fasriba Kanga from the University of Kentucky. Travel to Spain for the PI and my post doc researcher, Jordi Llorens. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Three methods have been used. Conference /workshop presentations at the apple and grape grower conferences in NY state Conference presentatios to our peers in the research world Publications via the NY Fruit Quarterly Field demonstrations to the the fruit growers of the North East What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue with our development of the monitoring system and adjustable sprayer , fine tuning. More field trials, as the sprayer becomes more developed so we will wish to conduct more field trials to gather data.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We developed a completely automated sprayer which can adjust airflow and liquid flow in real time whilst travelling down the rows of apple trees or grapevines.The system uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor canopy volume and via a control system will adjust application volume or spray rate per acre via a series of nozzles or combination of nozzles. We are using the Lechler vario jet nozzles which are pneumatically controlled. We use three nozzles in a cluster which is sufficient for apple trees. We are using the same ultra sonic canopy sensor system to detect the canopy and then adjust the airflow by using the Cornell patented adjustalbe air louvre. Thios system is being used in grapevines, All developemnt was conducted in the lab at NYSAES, Geneva and field trials were carried out at NYSAES Geneva in the summer of 2013. We now have good solid data on year 1 of our project for both apple trees and grapevines. We have demonstrated the project to over 300 fruit growers who attended the fruit Field Days at NYSAES on August 1st 2013. I have also given a number of presentations at conferences both in USA and Europe, notably Spain. My post doctoral researcher, Jordi Llorens presented ap oster on the subject at the Precision Farmimng Conference in Lleida and won best poster award.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Llorens Calvers, J., Landers, A.J. and Larzelere W. 2013. Precision application of pesticides in orchards adjusting liquid flow. NY Fruit Quarterly. Vol. 21. No.4 Winter 2013. Pp7- 10.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Landers, A.J. and Larzelere, W. 2012. The development of a spray monitoring system as an aid to orchard management and traceability. NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 20 4 21-24
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Llorens, J and Landers, A.J., 2013. Precision fruit spraying: digital canopy measurement for air and liquid control. In Proc: Supro Fruit 2013, 12th workshop on spray application techniques in fruit growing. Eds. Molto, E., Val, L., Juste, F., Chueca, P., and Garceria, C., Pp.126-128. Valencia: Universitat Politecnica de Valencia
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kanga, F., Llorens, J., Landers, A.J., 2013 Decreasing Airflow by an Adjustable Louvre System Increases Spray Efficiency. In. Proc. 2013 Summer scholars program, undergrad research poster session, July 31, Cornell University, NYSAES, Geneva. p8 Geneva: Cornell University
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Llorens,J., Landers, A. and Larzelere, W. 2013. Digital measurement and actuators for improving spray applications in tree and vine crops. Proc. 9th European Conference on Precision Agriculture. July 7-11 2013. Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Landers, A., Llorens, J., and Larzelere, W. 2013. Precision spraying in the orchard and vineyard. Proc. Cornell Fruit Field Day , NYSAES, Geneva, August 1st 2013 P.28 Geneva: Cornell University
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project was approved on August 20 2012. At the time of writing, December 4, we have had approx. 3 months to conduct our research. On September 1, Dr Jordi Llorens Calveras joined my research group. Dr Llorens Calveras has joined us from the University Polytechnica Catalonia in Spain where his research has been based upon the use of electronic sensors for precision spraying. In fulfilling the objective 3 stated in the proposal, Development of a precision sprayer which will automatically adjust both air and liquid volume according to crop canopy. He created a list of electronic items which have been purchased. We are using a John Beam tower orchard sprayer for adjusting liquid flow. We are using a Berthoud S600 axial fan vineyard sprayer for the adjustable air flow. Both sprayers will use a single sensing system which will be transferred between the sprayers. Sensor items, circuit boards, data loggers, wireless transmitters and all wiring have been assembled in the past three months. We have use of a wet lab at Cornell and have just started the lab development phase. Objectives 1, 2, and 4 will follow as we progress to field trials in Spring 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
At this early stage of 3 months into a project we have no outcomes to show other than the very early stages of a prototype sprayer.We are certainly on time with our projection to be conducting field trials in Spring 2013.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: We have continued our field trials measuring airflow within and through the canopy. As I wrote last year the answer is blowing in the wind and we have measured airflow through grapevines. We have found best spray deposition occurs when the airflow is reduced to a low volume and speed, particularly in early to mid season canopies. In early season there is such little canopy to intercept the spray, resulting in large clouds of drifting spray, this results in drift with poor deposition. Airflow can be adjusted using the Cornell air louvre described in previous reports or by adjusting the speed of the rotating fan. Besides improving deposition, the slower air speed reduces drift considerably, our trials in various size vine canopies and different varieties all show similar results. Extension meetings were held in vineyards in the Finger Lakes region, NY and Lake Erie region, NY as well as Vineland NJ. to demonstrate the improved deposition found by slowing down the airspeed. Over 100 growers attended twilight meetings where I demonstrated airflow with fluorescent tracer and black light, as described in last years report. Growers are still amazed as to how little spray actually hits the fruit, particularly when the fruit is large and has a greater boundary layer to prevent spray from settling. This is even more pronounced at higher airspeeds. We have developed the use of helium-filled soap bubbles released into a wind tunnel as a method of explaining to growers how airflow around a bunch of grapes or apple is determined by airspeed. We video the airflow and apply focused light to the bubbles, the results are very clear, the faster the airflow, the further away is the point of divergence and convergence. We then insert the video into powerpoint presentations to show growers exactly what is happening. This presentation has been shown throughout 2011 grower conference season and workshops. PARTICIPANTS: William Larzelere, Cornell University Prof Wayne Wilcox,Cornell University Nicole Landers, Cornell University Michael Morrabito, Cornell University Daren Simmons, farmer, Bluff Point, NY William Dalrymple, farmer, Ovid, NY Jim Quarrella, farmer, Vineland, NJ John Hardenburg, farmer, Portland, NY Rod Farrow, farmer,Waterport, NY TARGET AUDIENCES: Apple and grape growers across the northeast USA in particular and nationally in general terms.The growers are mainly full time, well established growers. A small number of new entrants to grape growing attended some of my mid west USA courses. I compiled a course handbook for the growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our field research on spray deposition and drift were evaluated in the 2011 season using the food dye, Tartrazine.. We continued to see increases in deposition of between 25-30% and drift was reduced considerably, around 75-80% using the air control systems. We saw huge improvements in deposition and reduction in drift in early to mid season canopies but little effect in full size canopies in late season. The reason for this variation is that there is more canopy to intercept the spray during full canopy growth. We continue to use a workshop to fabricate the air adjustment system and a laboratory for analysis of tracer for leaf deposition and drift analysis. In 2011 we moved into a new workshop with effective heating which hgas helped enormously. Personnel included a technician, a researcher and students helping with leaf collection and data analysis. Airflow research continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. Better application of pesticides due to better targeting will result in better disease and insect control. Growers are able to reduce their pesticide use across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the airflow adjusters. We are seeing a huge interest in the ability to change airflow, particularly in apple orchards where the tree canopies in modern orchard plantings are much narrower and smaller than traditional trees. Less spray drift over the canopy of trees and vines will result in less pollution and lowering the public profile of the spraying operation, this is so important as society visit farm shops, wineries and shop locally. Our projects have resulted in a lot of information which was extended at many meetings in 2011. For example 200 grape growers from across NY attended the pesticide update meeting in the Finger Lakes in May, 250 apple growers attended the Lake Ontario fruit tour in August. 200 grape juice producers in the Lake Erie region attended the PA Hort society Picnic where I demonstrated the air controller. We demonstrated all the methods described in this report. 6 twilight meetings were held in vineyards across the state to show fluorescent tracer deposition and airflow. I continued my grower conference talks across the USA, 45 talks per year. I also held 1 day grower workshops on vineyard and orchard spraying in WI, MO and IA.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. (2011). Improving spray deposition and reducing drift airflow adjustment is the answer. NY Fruit Quarterly, Vol 19 (4) Winter. Pp3-6
- McDermott, L., and Landers, A.J. (2011). Designing a better sprayer for pesticide application in strawberries. NY Fruit Quarterly, Vol 19 (4) Winter. Pp17-19
- Albrigo , L.G., Khot, L.R., Ehsani ,R., Schumann, A. , Landers, A.J, Larzelere ,W.M (2011). Testing a Modified Airblast Sprayer for Use In Citrus. In Proc. American Society Horticultural Science, Sept 25-28, Waikaloa, HI
- Landers, A.J., (2011) Advances in fungicide application technology for orchards and vineyards. In Proc. 44th Congresso Brasileiro de Fitopatogia, 14-19th August 2011. Bento Goncalves, Brasil
- Landers, A.J., (2011). Why care about the air In Proc: Supro Fruit 2011, 11th workshop on spray application techniques in fruit growing. Eds. Loquat,B. and Douzals, J-P. Pp.24-25. Prigonrieux: Centre Ctifl Lanxade, France
- Landers, A.J., Larzelere, W.M., Muise, B. (2011). In pursuit of the inevitable - the development of an autonomous sprayer for fruit crops-part II. In Proc: Supro Fruit 2011, 11th workshop on spray application techniques in fruit growing. Eds. Loquat,B. and Douzals, J-P. Pp.112-113. Prigonrieux: Centre Ctifl Lanxade, France
- Gil, E., Llorens, J., Landers, A.J., Llop,J. and Giralt L. (2011). Field validation of DOSAVINA, a decision support system to determine the optimal volume rate for pesticide application in vineyards. European Journal of Agronomy, Vol 35, 33-46, June 2011
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Using the traditional airblast sprayer, so popular amongst the fruit growers we have continued our trials at measuring airflow within and through the canopy. The answer is blowing in the wind and we have measured airflow through the trees using 4 sonic anemometers mounted on a mast on a small trailer. The trailer is placed one side of a tree or vine, the sprayer the other side, this allows us to measure airflow through the canopy at various heights, either statically or dynamically. We have found best spray deposition occurs when the airflow is reduced to low speeds, as little as 3 mph leaving the trees or vines. In the dynamic mode, we can measure airflow for a row length, obtaining the average airflow for the varying canopy. Airflow can be adjusted using the Cornell air louvre described in last years' report or adjusting the speed of the rotating fan as in the case of the Croplands apple sprayer. Besides improving deposition the slower air speed reduces drift considerably. The major difficulty still remains in operating the anemometer trailer at the same speed as the sprayer in the dynamic test. 2 growers used the adjustable louvre on their vineyard sprayers for season-long trials - good deposition was found with little drift. Extension meetings were held in both apples and grapes to demonstrate the improved deposition found by slowing down the airspeed, growers attended twilight meetings where I demonstrated airflow with fluorescent tracer and blacklight then each grower went home with a kit comprising 2 bags of tracer dye and a small blacklight and brochure to test their own sprayer. The Botrytis project with a second tank and manifold continued with more trials with the cooperating grape grower, Hazlitts 1853, results still indicate acceptable control with great promise for reduced rates. The focus sprayer offers improvement for insect control, notably grape berry moth and results indicate a successful field trial. The trial using infra red sensors to detect absence or presence and height of grapevine canopy continued in early to mid season. The above trials were reported to growers at workshops, conferences and field days across the region. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Brad Muise, post doc researcher, William Larzelere, technician, Jizhong Zhou, PhD student and Michael Morabito, summer student. The students improved their knowledge of applied research and field engineering. Co-operating growers include Mr G. Davey of Kast Farms. Rod Farrow of Lamont Fruit Farms and John Santos of Hazlitt 1853, William Dalrymple of Ovid and Daren Simmons of Bluff Point. TARGET AUDIENCES: Primarily apple and grape growers from New York state, but engineers and viticulturalists from all over the USA attended some of the extension meetings. Growers talks were held across the USA, see publications list for a few of them. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our designs were evaluated in the 2010 season using a fluorescent tracer, Pyranine and the food dye, Tartrazine.. We continued to see increases in deposition of between 25-30% and drift was reduced considerably, around 75-80% using the air control systems. The infra red sensor sprayer reduced spray use by 40% in the first early application of the season, in mid season, we saw savings of 18% in late June in the var. Vignoles. Little savings were seen once full canopy was reached. Resources used include the use of a workshop to fabricate the air adjustment system and a laboratory for analysis of tracer for leaf deposition and drift analysis. Personnel included a post doctoral researcher, technician and students helping with leaf collection and data analysis. Durand Wayland, a sprayer manufacturer is going to commercialize the air louvre. Airflow research continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. Better application of pesticides due to better targeting will result in better disease and insect control. Growers are able to reduce their pesticide use across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the airflow adjusters or the infra-red sensors. The tank rinsing development will help reduce environmental pollution, in particular point source pollution. Less spray drift over the canopy of trees and vine will result in less pollution and lowering the public profile of the spraying operation. Information was extended at many meetings in 2010. For example 180 grape growers from across NY attended the pesticide update meeting in the Finger Lakes in May, 300 apple growers attended a field day in Geneva, including members of the Dwarf Tree Fruit Association from all 4over the world. 50 grape juice producers in the Lake Erie region attended a twilight meeting. We demonstrated all the methods described in this report. We also conducted a similar demonstration to members of the North East group of ASABE (ag engineers) and the ASEV (viticulturalists) from all over the USA. 4 twilight meetings were held, 2 in apples and 2 in grapes across the state to show fluorescent tracer deposition and airflow. I continued my grower conference talks across the USA, 45 talks per year.
Publications
- Landers A.J , Wilcox W. F. and Loeb,G (2010). Precision application of botrytis and GBM sprays. The Report of 2010/09 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2009. Viticulture Consortium East. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES http:/www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pubs/vitcon/
- Landers, A.J. (2010) Blowing the cobwebs off spray drift research. Resource engineering and technology for a sustainable world. July/Aug pp. 19-21. ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2010). Developments towards an automatic precision sprayer for fruit crop canopies. Presented at the 2010 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh PA, Paper No. 1008973, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Zhou, J. and Landers, A.J. (2010). Choosing the optimal trace, sampling method and dosage adjustment for pesticide application in vineyards. Presented at the 2010 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh PA, Paper No. 1009040, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Muise, B. and Landers, A.J. (2010). The development of a fruit canopy sprayer compatible with an autonomous tractor. Presented at the 2010 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh PA, Paper No. 1008964, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Larzelere, W. and Landers, A.J. (2010). Development of a spray monitoring system for a vineyard canopy sprayer. Presented at the 2010 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh PA, Paper No. 1009012, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2010). Applying pesticides precisely on target, developments in vineyard sprayers to improve deposition. Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium at Intervitus Interfucta, 24-28 March 2010, Stuttgart, Germany. Compact Disc/memory stick of the Proceedings. Darmstadt: KTBL
- Landers A.J. (2010) Innovative technology for precision spraying in vineyards. In proc. Viticulture 2010. February 17th to 19th 2010. Rochester. Canandaigua: New York Wine and Grape Foundation
- Landers, A.J. (2010) Target your sprays and save money,methods of improving deposition and reducing drift. Proc. Symposium on Pest Management for Midwestern Vineyards, Osage Beach, MI, February 6to7, 2010. Ed. K. Striegler,pp. 23-34. Columbia: University of Missouri
- Landers, A.J. and Muise, B. (2010) The development of an automatic canopy sprayer for fruit crops. In: Aspects of Applied Biology 99. International advances in pesticide application. pp. 29-34
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The traditional airblast sprayer still remains very popular in the apple and grape growing regions of NY. This past year we have continued our airflow development project. Using adjustable airflow and air direction devices, we are able to demonstrate a number of important effects to the spray plume. Closing down the air outlet allows us to minimize drift and keep the spray plume in the canopy, thus improving deposition within the canopy. Initial trials were conducted in var. Vignoles and show marked improvement in deposition and reduced drift. We will continue with our trials in 2010 season. A patent application was filed, via Cornell University, Ithaca in November 2009 for the adjustable airflow device, Application No. 61/263,630. We also conducted similar trial work in apple trees, var. Fortune, again results are very promising. We demonstrated this device to growers in an early season meeting in the Finger Lakes region. The project on tank rinsing is nearing completion. We carried out demonstrations again this season to various grower meetings. The Botrytis project with a second tank and manifold, gained momentum, we conducted more trials with a cooperating grape grower, Hazlitts 1853, results to date indicate acceptable control with great promise for reduced rates. The focus sprayer offers improvement for insect control, notably grape berry moth and early results indicate a successful field trial. An inexpensive sensor sprayer using infra red sensors to detect absence or presence and height of grapevine canopy was also developed, it was fitted to an airblast sprayer and used in grapevines and showed a good reduction in spray use in the first spray of the season in var. Vignoles. The above trials were reported to growers at workshops, conferences and field days across the region. PARTICIPANTS: Brad Muise, post doc researcher, William Larzelere, technician, Caitlin Leone and George Moraru, summer students. Caitlin just graduated from William Smith College in Chemistry, George is a student in aeronautical engineering in RPI, Albany. The summer students improved their knowledge of applied research and field engineering. Co-operating growers include Mr G. Davey of Kast Farms. Rod Farrow of Lamont Fruit Farms and John Santos of Hazlitt 1853 TARGET AUDIENCES: Apple and grape growers of the North East of the USA and in particular the states of NY and PA and NJ. Field meetings were held in May with the Finger Lakes grape growers, July with the MA fruit growers. Conference presentations were made over the USA. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Our designs were evaluated in the 2009 season using a fluorescent tracer. We continued to see increases in deposition of between 25-30% and drift was reduced considerably, around 75-80% using air control systems. The infra red sensor sprayer reduced spray use by 40% in the first early application of the season, in mid season, we saw savings of 18% in mid season and then little savings once full canopy was reached. Resources used include the use of a workshop to fabricate the air adjustment system and a laboratory for analysis of tracer for leaf deposition and drift analysis. Personnel included a post doctoral researcher, technician and a summer students helping with leaf collection and data analysis. A number of growers and one sprayer manufacturer are very interested in making their own airflow adjustment system. Airflow research continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA as well as amongst the sprayer manufacturers. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting. Growers are able to reduce their pesticide use across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the airflow adjusters. The tank rinsing development will help reduce environmental pollution, in particular point source pollution. Less spray drift over the canopy of trees and vine will result in less pollution and lowering the public profile of spraying. Information was extended at many meetings in 2009. For example 160 grape growers from across NY attended the pesticide update meeting in May, 150 apple growers attended a field day in Massachusetts. I continued my grower talks across the North East USA, some dozen talks, plus others across the USA. I also continued with 6 in-depth courses on fruit spraying across the North East.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Developing precision canopy sprayers. Good fruit grower, April 1, 2009, Vol. 60 No. 7. pp24 -25
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Automatic spraying is coming. Wines and Vines, July 2008, pp 46-49
- Landers, A.J. and McDermott, L. (2009) Designing a better sprayer for pesticide application in strawberries. Proc. The 2009 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo. February 11-12, Syracuse, NY. pp 172-173, Ithaca: Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Sprayer technology. Production guide for organic grapes, Eds. Weigle T & Carroll J. pp 52-54. Geneva: NY Integrated Pest Management. Web based:- http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/organic_guide
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Sprayer technology. Production guide for organic blueberries, Eds. Carroll J. and Pritts, M. pp 33-35. Geneva: NY Integrated Pest Management. Web based:- http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/organic_guide
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Sprayer technology. Production guide for organic strawberries, Eds. Carroll J. and Pritts, M. pp 36-38. Geneva: NY Integrated Pest Management. Web based:- http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/organic_guide
- Hawk, J. and Landers, A.J. (2009) Sustainable spray technologies for vineyards. Sustainable Viticulture in the Northeast, newsletter #4 August 2009, pp1-8 Cornell Cooperative Extension: Penn Yan, NY
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Application technology in the orchard and vineyard. In Proc: 1st North American Precision Spraying Conference, 8th April, Canandaigua, N.Y.pp5-6 Geneva: Cornell University
- Agnello, A. and Landers, A.J. (2008) A fixed spray system for commercial high-density apple plantings. In Proc: 1st North American Precision Spraying Conference, 8th April, Canandaigua, N.Y.pp23-24
- Landers, A.J., Erdle, R and Dunst R., (2008). Evaluation of grape harvester output in New York and Pennsylvania. Report of 2008/07 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2007. Viticulture Consortium East. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES http www.nysaes.cornell.edu pubs vitcon
- Landers, A.J (2009) Innovative technologies for precision application of pesticides in vineyards. In Proc. Crop protection in vineyards. 2nd March, Plumpton College, UK. P.7. Warwick: Association of Applied Biologists
- Landers, A.J (2009) Waste not, want not, methods of improving spray deposition and reducing drift in vineyards. In Proc Crop protection in vineyards. 2nd March, Plumpton College, UK. P.5.Warwick: Association of Applied Biologists
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Managing spray drift. In Proc. The 2009 Empire State Fruit and Veg Expo. Growing for the health of New York. Feb 11-12. Syracuse. pp147-149 Ithaca: Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Landers, A.J. (2009) Designing a better sprayer for pesticide application in strawberries. In Proc. The 2009 Empire State Fruit and Veg Expo. Growing for the health of New York. Feb 11-12. Syracuse. Pp.172-173. Ithaca: Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Landers A.J (2009) 21st Century pesticide application technology. In Proc.59th annual finger Lakes Grape Growers Conference, Waterloo, March 6-7. Penn Yan: Cornell Cooperative Education
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Technologies for the Precise Application of Pesticides into Orchards and Vineyards . Presented at the 2008 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Providence RI, Paper No. 08-100-1, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Improving the quality of pesticides application in fruit crops- Part 1: Research reducing losses. Presented at the 2008 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Providence RI, Paper No. 08-200-5, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Improving the quality of pesticides application in fruit crops- Part 2: Extension seeing is believing. Presented at the 2008 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Providence RI, Paper No. 08-200-6, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Seeing is believing-enhancing the Pygmalion effect. Presented at the 2008 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Providence RI, Paper No. 08-223-1, ASABE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Canopy spray volume adjustment for apples and grapes and direct injection spraying. In Proc: 1st North American Precision Spraying Conference, 9th April, Canandaigua, N.Y., pp. 29-31. Geneva: Cornell University
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Airflow adjustment and ultrasonic sensors in orchard spraying. In Proc: 1st North American Precision Spraying Conference, 8th April, Canandaigua, N.Y.pp19-21 Geneva: Cornell University
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The traditional airblast sprayer remains very popular in the apple and grape growing regions of NY. We continue to design methods of adjusting airflow and air direction on a grape canopy sprayer. This year we developed an adjustable slide using an electric actuator, which limits airflow particularly in early canopies so that air doesn't blow right through the vine canopy. We continue to test a pair of air deflectors which direct the airstream and the spray horizontally into the canopy, rather than the traditional design which is to blow the air upwards and outwards. We built a tank washing unit on the top of an airblast sprayer which allows the operator to rinse the inside of the tank using rotating nozzles without using a hose pipe. This reduces potential operator contamination. We showed this at 5 venues this season. We also developed a second sprayline for Botrytis control in grapevines, this system uses a second tank on the sprayer and allows us to apply a canopy spray as well as a targeted fruit zone spray. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: William French and Stephanie Czajkowski were employed as summer students. William Larzelere also helped and is now my technician.William is a sophomore at Virginia State and is studying mechanical engineering so his summer was very useful to him. Stephanie just graduated from William Smith in chemistry and ran our spray lab equipment for analysis. Collaborators inclue William Dalrymple and Mike Jordan, grape growers and Ned Morgan and Rod Farrow, apple growers. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Apple and grape growers of the North East of the USA and in particular the states of NY and PA and NJ. Field meetings were held in May with the Finger Lakes grape growers, July with the Lake Ontario fruit growers and the end of July with all NY grape growers at Dresden NY. Extension demonstrations were held in Biglerville, PA and Rutgers, NJ. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our designs were evaluated in the 2008 season using a fluorescent tracer. We saw increases in deposition of between 25-30% and drift was reduced considerably, around 75-80% using air control systems. Trials, using ai nozzles fitted to an airblast sprayer in an apple orchard proved to be physically and biologically successful. Drift was reduced by up to 50% with no change in biological efficacy. All projects have resulted in better deposition within the canopy (botrytis sprayer) and have reduced drift considerably (airflow adjustment and ai nozzles). Resources include the use of a workshop to fabricate the deflectors and a laboratory for analysis of tracer. Personnel included a technician and a summer students helping with leaf collection and data analysis. A number of growers are very interested in making their own airflow adjustment system. Airflow research continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting. Growers are able to reduce their pesticide use across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the deflectors. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the trees and vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. 200 grape growers from across NY and PA attended the vineyard equipment demonstration of sprayers in Dresden. 150 apple growers attended a field day in Biglerville. We continued with our series of 3 demonstrations of the sensor sprayers in Orleans Co. with orchard growers in attendance.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. (2007) Sustainable plant protection within sustainable fruit growing - an American experience. In Proc: Sustainable plant protection techniques in fruit growing- 9th SuproFruit conference, Alnarp, Sweden. September 12-14, Pp 8-9. Alnarp: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
- Landers, A.J. (2007) Crop protection within sustainable viticulture helping growers address the 6 EsIn Technology in Viticulture sustainable viticulture, measuring berry ripening and global climate change, Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium at Intervitus Interfucta, 20-22nd April 2007, Stuttgart, Germany. Pp. 22-33. Darmstadt: KTBL
- Landers, A.J. (2007) New spray technology: reducing pesticide runoff and drift generation. In Proc. Association of applied IPM ecologists conference, February 5th, Napa, CA.
- Landers, A.J. and Gil, E. (2008) Software to determine the optimal volume rate for pesticide applications in vineyards. Report of 2008/07 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2007. Viticulture Consortium East. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES
- Landers, A.J. (2008) Innovative technologies for the precise application of pesticides in orchards and vineyards In: Aspects of Applied Biology 86. International advances in pesticide application. pp. 343-348
- Landers, A.J. (2007). ATR versus TVI nozzle trials in vineyards of New York (Year Two - 2007) for Saint-Gobain Ceramiques Avancees Desmarquest, France. A research report, December 2007 (in confidence)
- Agnello, A and Landers, A.J. (2007). Optimization of a fixed spraying system for commercial high-density apple plantings, Final Report 2007 to North East IPM Center
- Landers A.J (2007) Ultrasonic sensing systems in orchards In Proc. Great Lakes Fruit Workers Meeting, Niagara, Canada. p. 47 6th November 2007
- Landers, A.J. (2007), Protecting the operator what is the engineers contribution In Proc 2007 Pesticide worker safety and health conference, EPA Washington DC, October 2-4
- Landers, A.J. (2007), Seeing is believing enhancing the Pygmalion effect. In Proc 2007 Pesticide worker safety and health conference, EPA Washington DC, October 2-4
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The airblast sprayer is very popular in the apple and grape regions of NY. We designed a number of methods of adjusting the airflow and air direction according to canopy size and air volume requirements. Two methods, one an adjustable deflector on top of the sprayer to direct air into the canopy as the grower drives along a contour on a hillside,keeps the air moving into the canopy rather than spraying over the top of the row and polluting the environment with pesticides. A second development was the control of airflow using a flap or louver system, this limits airflow, particularly in early canopies so that air doesn't blow right through the tree or vine canopy. We also designed a pair of air deflectors which direct the airstream and the spray horizontally into the canopy, rather than the traditional design which is to blow the air upwards and outwards.
PARTICIPANTS: Andy Joy was employed as the summer student and is an ag engineering student at SUNY Cobleskill and this project was regarded as an important part of his internship. Bruce Wadhams was my technician who supervised field trials and data analysis.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Apple and grape growers of the North East of the USA and in particular the states of NY and PA
Impacts
Our designs were evaluated in the 2007 season using a fluorescent tracer. We increased deposition between 25-30% and drift was reduced considerably, around 75-80%. The air induction nozzle trials, fitted to the airblast sprayers proved to be physically and biologically successful. Drift was reduced by upto 50% with no change in biological efficacy. Both projects have resulted in better depostion within the canopy and have reduced drift considerably. Resources include the use of a workshop to fabricate the deflector and a laboratory for analysis of tracer. Personnel included a technician and a summer student helping weith leaf collection and data analysis. A number of growers are very interested in the deflectors and are making their own, airflow adjustment continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting. Growers are able to reduce their
pesticide use across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the deflectors. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the trees and vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. 400 growers across NY and PA have seen the deflectors at extension demonstrations in 2007.The largest gathering was at the fruit field day at Geneva in the summer. A series of 5 deomnstrations occurred in Orleans Co. orchards with growers in attendance. I presented information on their design to the Great Lakes fruit workers meeting, Niagara on the Lake, November 2007, so the information will cascade via the extension network in surrounding states.
Publications
- Landers, A.J., Erdle, R and Dunst R. 2007. Evaluation of grape harvester output in New York and Pennsylvania. Report of 2007/06 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2006. Viticulture Consortium East. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES.
- Landers, A.J. 2007. Following the money, keeping control of your canopy sprays. Cornell fruit field day and equipment show. July 25th. Pp8-9. Geneva: Cornell University.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
In the growing season of 2006 we concentrated on two major thrusts. The development of two patternators which growers can build themselves and the development of air deflectors for the Kinkelder airblast sprayers. In the 2005 report I mentioned the success of the MIBO vertical patternator but one problem is it is very expensive ($5000) for growers to purchase, although it clearly shows how to adjust the sprayer. We designed and developed two distinct patternators, both based on easily obtainable local materials. One is based on window fly screens, the other on plastic elbows. The patternators were tested and gave very comparable results to the MIBO. We have demonstrated them at 5 extension meetings throughout the summer and received good reviews. A number of growers have built these systems for less than $500. Both sets of plans and build lists are available free from the author. The patternators show growers how they can alter nozzle orientation to aim the liquid
spray into the airstream, to counteract the airblast. The Kinkelder sprayer is very popular in the Lake Erie grape region - surveys suggest upto 175 sprayers exist there. Unfortunately this design of sprayer is very old, (around 30 years) and the grape juice industry has little money to invest in new technology. We designed a pair of air deflectors which will dirct the airstream and the spray horizontally into the canopy, rather than the traditional design which is to blow the air upwards and outwards. Our designs were evaluated in late 2005 so in the 2006 season three cooperating growers kindly agreed to fit a deflector on each of their machines and we evaluated them over the season. Using a fluorescent tracer, we found deposition increased between 25-30 percent and drift reduced considerably, around 75-80 percent. We held an extension field day to show the growers and they were very pleased with them. In our biological inspection, there was significantly less foliar powdery mildew
with the new design than with the traditional head. There was no difference between sprayers for cluster powdery mildew or phomopsis. The three growers will use the new deflectors next season, albeit slightly stronger than our research designs! The project is going well, we are gaining a lot of information in this important area of pesticide application technology.
Impacts
The use of the vertical patternators continues to create much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting. Some growers are able to reduce their pesticide use by 20 percent across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the patternator. The new self-build patternators will allow many growers to build their own or a small group build one to share. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the trees and vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. 500 growers across NY and PA have seen the patternator at extension demonstrations in 2006, from Long island to North east PA. I also demonstrated them in CT and Va. I presented information on their design to the Great Lakes fruit workers meeting, Ithaca, November 2006, so the information will cascade via the extension network in surrounding states.
Publications
- Landers A.J and Wilcox W. 2007) Optimizing spray penetration and deposition in New York and Pennsylvania. Report of 2007/06 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2006. Vit.Consortium East. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES
- Landers, A.J. 2006. Putting the spray onto the target, the development and demonstration of a vineyard patternator for growers to reduce their spray bill by 30 pct . Research report to NY IPM, December 2006.
- Landers, A.J. 2006. The design, development and demonstration of two vertical patternators for New York apple growers. Research report to the NY Apple Research and Development Program (ARDP). December 2006
- Landers, A.J. and Gil E. 2006. The development of two vertical patternators to improve deposition within the canopy and reduce drift. In Proc. Great Lakes Fruit Workers Annual meeting, November 8th Ithaca, NY p.6 -7. Ithaca: Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Landers, A.J. 2006. Improving the performance of the Kinkelder. In Proc: Lake Erie grape producers, 30 March, Fredonia, NY, pp. 3-7. Fredonia: Cornell and Penn State Cooperative Extension.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Field trials have continued and a number of conclusions are being drawn already. Typical farmers settings on airblast sprayers are creating a lot of drift over and above the target due to traditional settings of the nozzles, i.e pointing radially outwards around the outlet of the airblast. Using the MIBO vertical patternator to conduct trials on deposition, we have found in the 58 sprayers tested that frequently the overspray can be as high as 30 percent. Growers must alter nozzle orientation to aim the liquid spray into the airblast, to counteract the upwards or downwards movement of the air blast. Changing the airfllow characteristics via air restrictors (doughnuts), an infinitley variable hydraulic motor drive to the fan or just shutting down tractor PTO/fan speed reduces drift considerably. On an AgTech sprayer we reduced PTO speed by 25 percent and reducded drift by 75 percent in an apple orchard trial. Airflow measurements using a GILL sonic anemometer show us
how alterations in the design of the sprayer result in variations to the air stream. A new deflector design was created and tested for the Kinkelder sprayer, a typical sprayer in the Lake Erie grape belt. Air trials were conducted at NYSAES, Geneva, NY and next year we hope to conduct vineyard trials in Western NY and PA. The MIBO vertical patternator was bought to conduct research trials on deposition, this device shows how important little changes in direction alter the spray pattern considerably and is so useful as an extension tool for showing nozzle orientation to growers, it is rather expensive. In 2006 we intend to build an inexpensive, simple system and compare it to the MIBO. If successful growers will be able to build their own from local materials. The project is going well, we are gaining a lot of information in this important area of pesticide application technology.
Impacts
The use of the vertical patternator has created much interest in the apple and grape growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting. Some growers are able to reduce their pesticide use by 20 percent across the orchard or vineyard as a direct benefit of using the patternator. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the trees and vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. 530 growers across NY and PA have seen the patternator at extension demonstrations and a similar number have seen it in powerpoint video clips across the USA at conference presentations.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. 2005. Pesticide spray drift measurements. A report for the Towards Sustainability Foundation (TSF) Organic Grants Program. December pp32. Ithaca: Cornell University.
- Landers A.J and Wilcox W. 2005. Optimizing spray penetration and deposition in New York and Pennsylvania. Report of 2005/04 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2004; Viticulture Consortium East. Pp.184-194. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pubs/vitcon/
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
In the growing season of 2004 we tested 24 airblast sprayers approx. a) The patternator results indicate the vertical spray pattern in relation to fan speed, air volume and nozzle orientation. By adjusting nozzle orientation, we can improve the distribution between sides of the sprayer. Further adjustment to the orientation of the nozzles allows us to further correct the inbalance caused by the upstroke/downstroke rotation of the fan and the subsequent airflow. We can also adjust nozzles to prevent over-spray above the canopy. Matching nozzle output/orientation to the canopy shape is also possible. b) All the pressure gauges we tested were in a satisfactory condition, less than 10 percent inaccurate. This is extremely good and some of the gauges were 10-12 years old! One gauge was impossible to remove without risk of stripping the threads in the brass cap. c) Pump flow is an indicator of pump wear and needs to be taken over a period of years. All pumps tested were
over 85 percent of the rated output. Nozzle output was extremely variable; some nozzles were delivering correctly, many others were not. Frequently incorrect nozzles were fitted. The test was an eye-opener for all who experienced it. Growers were frequently amazed at seeing the in-balance of liquid between the left and right side of the sprayer. Simply adjusting nozzle orientation to shift the spray pattern was a simple remedy. What is the correct pattern required for optimum biological control remains the unanswered question, with each of the cooperating growers having their own point of view. We need to conduct trials with adjustment in nozzle output and orientation to match different canopy shapes, heights and sprayers The pressure gauge results were far better than anticipated. Surveys in other states had indicated this would be a major problem but in fact we were pleasantly surprised. Pump output will need to be monitored over a longer period to show any variability. The results
indicate how rugged diaphragm pumps can be. Nozzle output was as suspected! Nozzles are so inexpensive in relation to the cost of the product being applied, yet remain the Cinderella of maintenance. On some of the sprayers the nozzles were perfect, attention to detail and in fact a degree of pride in having the correct output. In other tests the growers need to change nozzles more frequently and to have a number of spares available. In collaboration with extension educators in the regional fruit teams, we invited growers in the surrounding to attend a demonstration following a test. The testing procedure was repeated in front of the assembled growers and allowed a greater opportunity to develop the theme of good spraying practice. The tests certainly gave everyone food for thought. Defining the optimum spray patterns for insect/disease control and effective application of growth regulators should be carried out. Variables include vine and tree canopy shape, row width etc and sprayer
fan size, air volume/speed and outlet shape. Field trials with biologists, horticulturalists and engineers should be conducted.
Impacts
The use of the MIBO vertical patternator has created much interest in the fruit growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting; a direct benefit of using the patternator. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the trees and vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. The changes in airflow will help promote these challenges next season.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. 2004. Optimizing spray penetration and deposition in New York and Pennsylvania. In Proc. Environmentally friendly spray application techniques. 4-6 October, Warsaw, Poland. Holownicki,R., Doruchowski, G. and Konopacki, P. eds. p. 69 Skierniewice, Poland: Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture.
- Landers A.J. 2004. Prevention is better than cure, reducing drift from vineyard sprayers. In Proc. International meeting on spray drift. Kona, Hawaii, 26-29th October. pp.116-124. Pullman: Washington State University.
- Farooq, M and Landers, A, J. 2004. Interactive Effects of Air, Liquid and Canopies on Spray Patterns of Axial-flow Sprayers. Presented at the 2004 ASAE/CSAE Annual International Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Paper No. 041001, ASAE, 2950 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085-9659.
- Landers, A.J. and Farooq M. 2004. Reducing spray drift from orchards, a successful case study. NY Fruit Quarterly 12 (3) Autumn 2004 pp23-26.
- Landers, A.J. 2004. Innovative technologies for vineyard spraying. In Seminar Handouts: Wineries Unlimited, Viticulture Session: Wednesday March 17, 15-18th March. Lancaster PA. Watkins Glen, NY: Vineyard and Winery Management.
- Landers, A.J. 2004. Better spray deposition, cleaner grapes, how the airstream and spray liquid interact to affect spray deposition. In Proc: 55th Annual Finger Lakes Grape Growers Convention, 28th Feb., Waterloo, NY . pp30-36 Penn Yan: Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Landers, A.J. 2004. Orchard sprayer testing: ensuring better product deposition for maximal effect. In Proc: Upper Hudson/Champlain commercial tree-fruit school. Lake George, NY.February 26th Ballston Spa: Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Landers, A.J. 2004. Sprayer testing: a guarantee of mechanical performance and quality application. Proc. Empire State Fruit and Veg Expo, Growing for the health of New York. Tree fruit-Tuesday 10th February pp.160-161. Ithaca: Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Landers A.J and Wilcox W. 2004. Optimizing spray penetration and deposition in New York and Pennsylvania. Report of 2003/04 proposals received and awards made and final reports to grant year 2003. Viticulture Consortium East. Pp.193-198. Geneva: Cornell University, NYSAES http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pubs/vitcon/
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
One season of field trials have been conducted on grapes to consider airflow, whilst it is early days, there is evidence to show that adjustments to airflow on the airblast sprayer make a major impact on reducing spray drift. A series of wooden doughnut have been created to reduce airflow. Airflow measurements using a GILL sonic anemometer show us how alterations in the design of the sprayer result in variations to the air stream. A new deflector design for next years field trials is currently undergoing air trials at NYSAES, Geneva, NY. Nozzle angle on the airblast sprayer is critical if spray is to hit the target. A MIBO vertical patternator was bought to conduct trials on deposition. This device shows how important little changes in direction alter the spray pattern considerably. Early indications are that this will be a most useful machine for demonstrating research to the growers. Canopy size was measured using a novel approach. The recycling return hose on a
LIPCO tunnel sprayer provided data on the growing canopy as the season progresses. Trials were conducted in 2 commercial vineyards and will be repeated next season. Concord, Cabernet Franc and Riesling varieties were used in the trials. Overall it is very early days, but, the use of good scientific equipment will allow us to make rapid developments in this important area of pesticide application technology.
Impacts
The use of the MIBO vertical patternator has created much interest in the grape growing community of New York and PA. The economic impact will mean better application of pesticides due to better targeting; a direct benefit of using the patternator. The environmental impact to date, is less drift over the canopy of the vines, less pollution and lowering of the public profile of spraying. The changes in airflow will help promote these challenges next season.
Publications
- Landers, A.J. and Farooq M. 2004. Factors influencing air and pesticide penetration into grapevine canopies. In: Aspects of Applied Biology 71. International advances in pesticide application. pp. 343-348
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
No Progress - Just Initiated.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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