Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work includes agricultural professionals, researchers, industry collaborators, regulatory authorities and interested members of the public. Primarily, the target audience has been those professionals whose activities and decisions will be influenced by data and conclusions generated by the work. Additionally, the target audience has recently expended to include the regulatory community, both local, state and Federal, who need data to develop science-based regulations on the use of novel pesticide application methods, including unmanned vehicles. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project included the first Federal Aviation Administration permits for pesticide application from remotely piloted ("unmanned") aircraft in the United States and the procedures and data developed in the project led to the first Federal and state permitted commercial pesticide applications in agriculture. Throughout the project, training of pilots, visual observers and ground support personnel was conducted and these educational events and experiences were adopted as the industry standard. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Throughout the project, given the novelty of the experimental work and the significance of the field testing of remotely piloted aircraft on actual crop production, within the commercial environment, 8-10 outreach events were conducted annually. These ranged from educational events for state and Federal officials to industry field days. Additionally, formal research reports were presented at international, national and state research and techn ical meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
he goal of this project is to improve the efficiency of pest control in specialty crops through the integration of field-deployable technical improvements in the sensing of crop characteristics and pests, the mechanical actuators for removing, treating or otherwise mitigating the pest and systems for recording the pest control operations for environmental improvement and traceability of food production practices. This project inherently includes integrated research and extension through the recognition of field-based ag producer needs, the inclusion of Cooperative Extension personnel in the conduct of projects and the continuation of projects through the demonstration phase of equipment and methods. This research was closely coordinated with the UC Workgroup on Spray Application Technology which includes campus-based researchers, Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors and interested industry representatives. The objectives of the project are: 1) to develop and evaluate methods and devices for highly targeted delivery of crop protection agents, and, 2) to develop mechanical systems incorporating sensors, controls and actuators to provide non-chemical pest control. The outputs from the project included prototype systems and methods for field deployable improvements in pest control. Laboratory and field performance results of new nozzle designs and the use of remotely piloted aircraft were documented and published. Additional outputs included engagement with the industry and public for demonstrated research developments.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Giles, D.K. 2018. A recapture and spray recycling system for vineyard spraying: Deposition and drift reduction. Aspects of Applied Biology 137:69-75.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Giles, D.K., R. Billing and W. Singh. 2018. Remotely piloted aircraft for agricultural spraying: Conclusions from multiple season operations. Aspects of Applied Biology 137:1-8.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Giles, D.K. 2016. Use of remotely piloted aircraft for pesticide applications: Issues and outlook. Outlooks on Pest Management 27:213-217.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Giles, D.K., R. Billing and W. Singh. 2016. Performance results, economic viability and outlook for remotely piloted aircraft for agricultural spraying. Aspects of Applied Biology 132:15-21.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Giles, D.K. and R. Billing. 2015. Deployment and performance of a UAV for crop spraying. Chemical Eng. Trans. 44:307-312.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Giles, D.K. and R.C. Billing. 2014. Unmanned aerial platforms for spraying: Deployment and performance. Aspects of Applied Biology 122: 63-70.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Needham, D.L., A.J. Holtz and D.K. Giles. 2012. Actuator system for individual nozzle control of flow rate and spray droplet size. Trans. ASABE 55:379-386.
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work includes agricultural professionals, researchers, industry collaborators and interested members of the public. Primarily, the target audience has been those professionals whose activities and decisions will be influenced by data and conclusions generated by the work. Additionally, the target audience has recently expended to include the regulatory community, both local, state and Federal, who need data to develop science-based regulations on the use of novel pesticide application methods, including unmanned vehicles. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Yes, 8-10 outreach events and field days have been conducted in which the multi-season results of UAV and UGV spraying have been reported. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next year, the work on UAV and UGV field deployments will continue and spray drift experiments will be conducted.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The deployment of remotely piloted aircraft for agricultural crop spraying was proven to a sufficient extent that commercial operations have been approved and undertaken. The vineyard industry now has access to this technology.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Giles, D.K., R. Billing and W. Singh. 2016. Performance results, economic viability and outlook for remotely piloted aircraft for agricultural spraying. Aspects of Applied Biology.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Giles, D.K. 2016. Use of remotely piloted aircraft for pesticide application: Issues and outlook. Outlooks on Pest Management. October 2016. DOI: 10.1564/v27_oct_05.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Use of a remotely piloted aircraft for crop protection. Report to Yamaha Motor Company. Department of Biological & Agricultural Department, University of California, Davis, CA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Use of a unmanned ground vehicles for crop protection. Report to Yamaha Motor Company. Department of Biological & Agricultural Department, University of California, Davis, CA.
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work includes agricultural professionals, researchers, industry collaborators and interested members of the public. Primarily, the target audience has been those professionals whose activities and decisions will be influenced by data and conclusions generated by the work. Additionally, the target audience has recently expended to include the regulatory community, both local, state and Federal, who need data to develop science-based regulations on the use of novel pesticide application methods, including unmanned vehicles. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project is developing significant opportunities for training in the new areas of unmanned aircraft piloting, especially in chemical application. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Approximately 8 outreach events have been held to educate the user community and the general public on use of unmanned aircraft in agriculture. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue and expand the current activities and address the newly-developing regulatory and industry issues on pesticide application.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Outcomes/Impacts: Partnerships were developed with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and developers to deploy vehicles in specialty crops. Significant outreach events were conducted and resulted in close farmer-industry-regulatory relationships to address barriers to use of the technology. Preliminary data were used to create educational materials for news media. Data were developed to guide the regulatory decision making process for regulation of unmanned vehicles for chemical application.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Giles, D.K. and R. Billing. 2015. Deployment and performance of a UAV for crop spraying. Chemical Engineering Transactions. 44:307-312.
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work includes agricultural professionals, researchers, industry collaborators and interested members of the public. Primarily, the target audience has been those professionals whose activities and decisions will be influenced by data and conclusions generated by the work. Additionally, the target audience has recently expended to include the regulatory community, both local, state and Federal, who need data to develop science-based regulations on the use of novel pesticide application methods, including unmanned vehicles. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Outcomes/Impacts: Partnerships were developed with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and developers to deploy vehicles in specialty crops. Significant outreach events were conducted and resulted in close farmer-industry-regulatory relationships to address barriers to use of the technology. Preliminary data were used to create educational materials for news media. Data were developed to guide the regulatory decision making process for regulation of unmanned vehicles for chemical application. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Approximately 8 outreach events have been held to educate the user community and the general public on use of unmanned aircraft in agriculture. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue and expand the current activities and address the newly-developing regulatory and industry issues on pesticide application.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Outcomes/Impacts: Partnerships were developed with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and developers to deploy vehicles in specialty crops. Significant outreach events were conducted and resulted in close farmer-industry-regulatory relationships to address barriers to use of the technology. Preliminary data were used to create educational materials for news media. Data were developed to guide the regulatory decision making process for regulation of unmanned vehicles for chemical application.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Giles, D.K. and R. Billing. 2015. Deployment and performance of a UAV for crop spraying. Chemical Engineering Transactions. 44:307-312.
|
Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Agricultural equipment manufacturers, growers, pest control advisors, agricultural chemical industry, environmental protection groups, regulatory agencies. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Pest control professionals, including chemical applicators and pest control advisors were educated about use of unmanned aircraft for spraying. Industry cooperators in the vehicle development sector were educated about needs of agricultural pest control advisors and crop input applicators. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A number of industry and regulatory outreach events have been conducted. Primarily, a field day, including demonstrations and media interviews, was conducted in the primary wine grape growing area of North American. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Research work will continue into performance testing of unmanned aircraft and spraying systems specifically designed for their use. Work will continue with media outreach events and also relationships with the manned aircraft industry will be strengthen so that synergy between the new unmanned aircraft industry and the traditional manned aircraft industry can be developed.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Partnerships were developed with unmanned vehicle manufacturers and developers to deploy vehicles in specialty crops. Significant outreach events were conducted and resulted in close farmer-industry-regulatory relationships to address barriers to use of the technology. Preliminary data were used to create educational materials for news media.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Young, S.L. and D.K. Giles. 2013. Targeted and micro dose applications. In: Automation: The future of weed control in cropping systems. S.L. Young and F. Pierce Eds. Springer Verlag. 265 pp.
|
Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf by leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. New developments were created to address excessive use of chemicals. In particular, economic analyses were developed to address the cost and return of new designs for pesticide application. Also, a novel method for coating seed with insecticide and fungicides was developed. PARTICIPANTS: Joe Tringe and Harold Levie of Lawrence Livermore National Lab cooperated on seed coating processes TARGET AUDIENCES: Work has been presented to a number of seed production and coating companies. Target audiences include the grower community in California and commodity organizations such as the Almond Board of California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Educational outreach to regulatory, commodity and industrial groups has promoted the concepts of increasing technology in agricultural pest control operations. Further, partnership have been established with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California State University, San Luis Obispo and industrial cooperators to develop and test targeted spray application equipment for reducing pesticide use rates.
Publications
- Scher, H.B.; Giles, D.K.; Tinge, J. and Levie, H. 2011. Aerosol coating process based on volatile, non-flammable solvents. U.S. Patent Office Serial Number 61/615,714.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Moreover, the use of precision technologies can be evaluated through straightforward economic analysis of the effects of the technology on production costs to the grower. Simple payback period analysis and the application of Net Annual Cost Analysis were conducted using actual field performance data on new pesticide application technologies. These analyses have determined that novel application technologies can provide not only environmental benefits but also provide significant economic improvements to growers. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Mike Davis of Plant Pathology, UC Davis is cooperating on phytoxicity experiments on onion seeds. The California Garlic and Onion Research Board is cooperating on field research. The Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship has partnered to leverage field research onto improved application technologies. TARGET AUDIENCES: Reports on project progress have been presented to onion and garlic growers in Tulelake and Visalia, CA. Field results and implications have been presented to almond growers at meetings of the Almond Board of California. Educational seminars have been conducted with grape growers in California grower meetings. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Moreover, the use of precision technologies can be evaluated through straightforward economic analysis of the effects of the technology on production costs to the grower. Simple payback period analysis and the application of Net Annual Cost Analysis were conducted using actual field performance data on new pesticide application technologies. These analyses have determined that novel application technologies can provide not only environmental benefits but also provide significant economic improvements to growers.
Publications
- Giles, D.K., P. Klassen, F.J.A. Neiderholzer and D. Downey. 2011. Smart sprayer technology provides environmental and economic benefits in California orchards. California Agriculture. 65(2): 85-89.
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf by leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. If successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the non seedline areas. A cultivator-mounted hot oil spray system for application of organic, food grade canola oil to weeds in the seedline, was refined through the 2010 season. Work was also initiated on a precision fungicide application system for onion and garlic production. The system will place fungicide in close proximity to seeds but without causing phytoxicity. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Mike Davis of Plant Pathology, UC Davis is cooperating on phytoxicity experiments on onion seeds. The California Garlic and Onion Research Board is cooperating on field research. TARGET AUDIENCES: Reports on project progress have been presented to onion and garlic growers in Tulelake and Visalia, CA. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Educational outreach to regulatory, commodity and industrial groups has promoted the concepts of increasing technology in agricultural pest control operations. Further, a partnership has been established with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California State University, San Luis Obispo and industrial cooperators to develop and test targeted spray application equipment for reducing pesticide use rates. Work was conducted in Tulelake, CA to investigate the use of precision fungicide application methods for onion planting into white rot infected fields.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf by leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. If successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the non seedline areas. A cultivator-mounted hot oil spray system for application of organic, food grade canola oil to weeds in the seedline, was refined through the 2009 season. Hot oil spray tests were conducted on common weeds in California processing tomato production. New target sensing system, developed for orchard use, are being evaluated for simplicity of use and efficacy. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Michael Costello, Dept, of Horticulture, Cal Poly Univ., San Luis Obispo, CA, is conducting field trials with equipment developed through this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the grower community in California and commodity organizations such as the Almond Board of California. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Educational outreach to regulatory, commodity and industrial groups has promoted the concepts of increasing technology in agricultural pest control operations. Further, a partnership has been established with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California State University, San Luis Obispo and industrial cooperators to develop and test targeted spray application equipment for reducing pesticide use rates.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf by leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. If successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the non seedline areas. A cultivator-mounted hot oil spray system for application of organic, food grade canola oil to weeds in the seedline, was refined through the 2008 season. Hot oil spray tests were conducted on pigweed and black nightshade plants, predominant weeds in California processing tomato production. When the spray coverage was sufficient, all of the 1st true leaf stage plants of both species were killed. The decrease in the plant death rate with decreased spray coverage was similar for both species. For insecticide applications onto dormant and in-season orchards, research found that spray drift in walnut orchards was observed to be significantly reduced by presence of foliage, confirming hypotheses that drift is a greater problem during dormant spraying. However, use of target sensing sprayers was found to reduce off site movement of spray material (primarily through run off) by approximately 30% in a prune orchard, roughly corresponding to the fraction of "open" area between trees. However, industry adoption of the technology has been slow, despite economic incentives. Therefore, work has commenced on predicting and documenting economic benefits to growers from adoption of the technology. 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
Results from this project have been adopted by state and local officials in order to approve the qualification of target sensing sprayers for financial support from USDA under the EQUIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Due to this work, growers can receive up to $50/acre for investing in and using sensor-equipped orchard sprayers. This provides at least a 20% reduction in pesticide use and release of volatile organic compounds into the Central Valley. Educational outreach to regulatory, commodity and industrial groups has promoted the concepts of increasing technology in agricultural pest control operations. Further, work has commenced in a partnership with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California State University, San Luis Obispo and industrial cooperators to develop and test targeted spray application equipment for reducing pesticide use rates.
Publications
- Slaughter, D.C., D.K. Giles, S.A. Fennimore and R.F. Smith. 2008. Multispectral machine vision identification of lettuce and weed seedlings for automated weed control. Weed Technology 22:378 384.
- Giles, D.K. and T.K. Brock. 2008. Using air induction nozzles for direct injection of agrochemicals: A feasibility study. Aspects of Applied Biology. 84: 433 440.
- Slaughter, D.C., D.K. Giles, D. Downey. 2008. Autonomous robotic weed control systems: A review. COMPAG 61(1): 63 78.
- Slaughter, D.C., D.K. Giles, S.A. Fennimore, R.F. Smith. 2008. Multispectral Machine Vision Identification of Lettuce and Weed Seedlings for Automated Weed Control. Weed Technology 2008 22:378 384
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
The reduced use of agrochemicals and the increased use of organic control materials can be advanced through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf-by-leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. If successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the non-seedline areas. A cultivator-mounted hot oil spray system for application of organic, food-grade canola oil to weeds in the seedline, was tested in 2007. The system consisted of a double walled
insulated tank, an immersion heater, a high-temperature recirculating pump, and an eight-valve microsprayer with a high temperature nozzle block. We have found that heating the nozzle block to 350 oF is an effective and important method of insuring that the oil temperature of the spray remains in the lethal range after periods of spray inactivity and eliminates the need to flush the system in order to heat the nozzle block. Hot oil spray tests were conducted on pigweed and black nightshade plants. The results from the weed leaf stage spray tests show that while the plants of both species were significantly damaged by the hot oil spray, pigweed was easier to kill at the 2nd true leaf stage than black nightshade. For both species, the death rate 15 days after treatment was higher for plants at the first leaf stage than for plants at the second leaf stage. When the spray coverage was above 90%, all of the 1st true leaf stage plants of both species were killed. The decrease in the plant
death rate with decreased spray coverage was similar for both species. Plant or leaf bending during spray application due to the impact force of the spray on the foliage was the main reason that some of the plants did not receive full spray coverage. For insecticide applications onto dormant and in-season orchards, a series of experiments investigated the effect of foliage and spray application rate on deposition and spray drift. Previous years' research found that spray drift in walnut orchards was observed to be significantly reduced by presence of foliage, confirming hypotheses that drift is a greater problem during dormant spraying. However, use of target sensing sprayers was found to reduce off site movement of spray material (primarily through run off) by approximately 30% in a prune orchard, roughly corresponding to the fraction of "open" area between trees. This effort resulted in the spray technique being approved for support under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
within USDA. This provides funding for growers to adopt the practice in order to reduce pesticide use and environmental contamination.
Impacts
In the immediate term, results from this project have been adopted by state and local officials in order to approve the qualification of target sensing sprayers for financial support from USDA under the EQUIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). Due to this work, growers can receive up to $50/acre for investing in and using sensor-equipped orchard sprayers. This provides at least a 20% reduction in pesticide use and release of volatile organic compounds into the Central Valley. Educational outreach to regulatory, commodity and industrial groups has promoted the concepts of increasing technology in agricultural pest control operations. Cooperation with non-profit groups such as the Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship, the California Tree Fruit Agreement and others has resulted in increased realization by the agricultural industry that improved pest control technology can not only reduce environmental contamination but also improve efficiency and
reduce costs of production.
Publications
- Brown, D. L.,Giles, D. K., Oliver, M. N., Klassen P. 2007. Targeted spray technology to reduce pesticide in runoff from dormant orchards. Crop Protection (In Press).
- Giles, D.K. 2007. Techniques and Incentives in California for reducing pesticide inputs to mitigate water and air pollution risks in horticultural crops. Aspects of Applied Biology. (In Press).
- Giles, D.K., Akesson, N. B., Yates, Y. E. 2007. Pesticide application technology: Research & development and the growth of the industry. ASAE Transactions. (In Press).
- Slaughter, D.C., Giles,D. K.,Downey, D. 2007. Autonomous robotic weed control systems: A review. Computers and Electronics in Ag. (In Press).
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
The project is addressing the reduced use of agrochemicals and the use of organic control materials through the integration of pest detection and treatment systems for high value fruit, nut and vegetable crops. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf-by-leaf scale. In fungicide and insecticide application, detection and treatment of target areas while avoiding unnecessary deposition on non-target areas is desirable, both economically and environmentally. This leads to a significant reduction in application rates of agrochemicals, the use of safer, chemically-nonselective herbicides or the use of localized non-chemical treatment systems. Moreover, if successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the
non-seedline areas. Detection work has focused on using machine vision techniques operating on images collected in the visible and NIR spectra. Once weed pests are located, the challenge is to selectively treat the weeds without damage to the surrounding crop. In seedlines of young vegetable plantings, spatial resolution on the order of 5 mm is desired. In orchard and vineyard applications, spatial scales are greater; however, resolution is limited due to broadscale application means. A precision spray system was developed to apply organic food oils such as canola and safflower to weeds on a 12 x 6 mm grid. The system initially used an immersion heater and a high temperature pump to heat and circulate oils at temperatures up to 180 C. Improvements on the system have resulted in a redesign and altered use of thermal energy. Experiments with the original prototype revealed that oil discharged from the spray manifold has cooled due to heat loss from fluid in non-flowing regions of the
manifold. A redesign of the manifold and addition of cartridge heaters significantly improved the retention of thermal energy and increased the temperature of discharged oil. Target plants were treated with a mobile system and significant mortality of weed species was observed. When used in bioassay experiments against typical weeds such as pigweed, barnyardgrass and spurge, efficacy of topically applied, heated oils was over 90%. For insecticide applications onto dormant and in-season orchards, a series of experiments investigated the effect of foliage and spray application rate on deposition and spray drift. Spray drift in walnut orchards was observed to be significantly reduced by presence of foliage, confirming hypotheses that drift is a greater problem during dormant spraying. However, use of target sensing sprayers was found to reduce off site movement of spray material (primarily through run off) by approximately 30% in a prune orchard, roughly corresponding to the fraction of
"open" area between trees.
Impacts
Historically, pesticides have been applied on a broadcast basis without the ability to target application exclusively to areas requiring the pesticide. This leads to unnecessary release of agrochemicals into the environment, increased costs to growers and potential exposure of people to pesticides. Focusing application of pest control materials only on target areas can significantly reduce the use of chemicals and facilitate the use of lower risk and biologically-derived materials. This precision application can be achieved only if the target can be both sensed and treated. Sensing of plant targets such as weeds, especially when they lie in close proximity to a crop canopy, is technically challenging. High spatial resolution and high working speeds are necessary for commercial success. This project is investigating the use of machine vision and hyperspectral imaging for locating complex targets. Both methods are proving successful and have been investigated in field
trials. For treatment, this project is developing robust, field-worthy microspray systems for integration into agricultural vehicles. A microsprayer has been developed to dispense heated oil for weed control. This thermal technique eliminates the need for chemical herbicides by killing plant tissue immediately. Additionally, the method may reduce the need for hand weeding, an operation of concern due to worker health issues. Bioassay tests have determined the feasibility of the method for control of common weeds species found in California vegetable production
Publications
- Crowe, T. G., Downey, D. and Giles, D. K. 2005. Digital device and technique for sensing distribution of spray deposit. Transactions of ASAE (American Society of Agricultural Engineers) 48(6):1-6.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
The project is addressing the reduced use of agrochemicals and the use of organic control materials through the integration of novel pest detection and treatment systems. Particularly in weed control, sensing the presence and location of target weeds within a crop area allows the treatment of the weed to be spatially localized on a leaf-by-leaf scale. This leads to a significant reduction in application rates of agrochemicals, the use of safer, chemically-nonselective herbicides or the use of localized non-chemical treatment systems. Moreover, if successful treatment of weeds can be accomplished within the seedline where weeds and crops are in close proximity, non-chemical control means, such as mechanical cultivation, can be used in the non-seedline areas. Detection work has focused on using machine vision techniques operating on images collected in the visible spectrum. For example, shape and pattern analysis has been successful in discriminating between broad
leaves such as cotton and thin leaves such as grasses. However, uniformity of lighting is critical for success, occlusion can inhibit shape analysis and damage (wind, rain, pest) to crops can make these techniques difficult to implement in the field. Recent experiments have focused on the use of hyperspectral analysis for discriminating between crops and weeds with similar shapes (e.g. tomatoes and nightshade) and the use of 3-D cameras to address occlusion between crop and weed leaves. Once weed pests are located, the challenge is to selectively treat the weeds without damage to the surrounding crop. In seedlines of young vegetable plantings, spatial resolution on the order of 5 mm is desired. Additionally, if individual weed leaves are to be treated with liquids such as organic or conventional herbicides or heated liquids for thermal control, liquid volumes as low as 40 microliters must be delivered to the target during a 10 millisecond event. While these brief time periods and
small volumes are not atypical in industrial coating processes such as ink jet printing, these design constraints are challenging when they must be integrated into agricultural field equipment that is operated in dirty ambient conditions and maintained by heavy equipment service organizations. A precision spray system was developed to apply organic food oils such as canola and safflower to weeds on a 12 x 6 mm grid. The system used an immersion heater and a high temperature pump to heat and circulate oils at temperatures up to 180 C. The sprayer was used in bioassay experiments against typical weeds such as pigweed, barnyardgrass and spurge. Efficacy of topically applied, heated oils was over 95% in most cases, indicating that precision thermal treatment is feasible.
Impacts
Historically, pesticides have been applied on a broadcast basis without the ability to target application exclusively to areas requiring the pesticide. This leads to unnecessary release of agrochemicals into the environment, increased costs to growers and potential exposure of people to pesticides. Focusing application of pest control materials only on target areas can significantly reduce the use of chemicals and facilitate the use of lower risk and biologically-derived materials. This precision application can be achieved only if the target can be both sensed and treated. Sensing of plant targets such as weeds, especially when they lie in close proximity to a crop canopy, is technically challenging. High spatial resolution and high working speeds are necessary for commercial success. This project is investigating the use of machine vision and hyperspectral imaging for locating complex targets. Both methods are proving successful and have been investigated in field
trials. For treatment, this project is developing robust, field-worthy microspray systems for integration into agricultural vehicles. A microsprayer has been developed to dispense heated oil for weed control. This thermal technique eliminates the need for chemical herbicides by killing plant tissue immediately. Additionally, the method may reduce the need for hand weeding, an operation of concern due to worker health issues. Bioassay tests have determined the feasibility of the method for control of common weeds species found in California vegetable production.
Publications
- Crowe, T. G., Downey, D., Giles, D. K. and Slaughter, D. C. 2005. An electronic sensor to characterize transient response of nozzle injection for pesticide spraying. Transactions of ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) 48(1):73-82.
- Giles, D. K. and Downey, D. 2005. Reducing orchard spray rates and ground deposit by using tree sensors and sprayer control. Annual Review of Agricultural Engineering 4(1):229-236.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Work is continuing on detection and precision treatment of weeds within seedlines of high value, specialty crops, especially in organic production. Machine vision techniques using image processing for shape analysis and spectral inspection techniques have been implemented in field situations to discriminate young weeds from crop plants. Hyperspectral analysis, using 16-bit resolution, appears very promising with success rates over 95% under laboratory conditions. Field data have been collected on a number of crops and analysis is continuing. Once weeds and crops have been distinguished, the challenge is to selectively treat the weeds while leaving the crop plants undamaged. Improved precision dosing systems have been designed and tested. These systems allow micro-dosing of herbicide materials to deliver volumetric doses in the range of 40 microliters during a 10 millisecond event. Additionally, these systems are being adapted for use in precision thermal treatment
systems to eliminate the need for any active chemical treatment. A significant benefit of highly accurate spatial treatment of weeds within crop seedlines is that growers options for herbicide can be greatly expanded. Availability of chemically selective herbicides is decreasing and there are virtually no selective herbicides that are organically derived. If spatial selectivity can be achieved in herbicide application, non-selective herbicides can be used. Many non-selective herbicides offer significantly fewer environmental hazards than selective chemicals. Field experiments using microdosing equipment have determined that crop vigor and productivity, as measured by plant biomass, can be greatly increased by using low doses of herbicides applied by the spatially-selective spot sprayer. These yields are higher than when conventional selective herbicides are used. The yield data suggested that low doses provided the optimal balance between weed control and phytotoxicity of crop plants.
Experimental work has investigated the use of spatially-selective thermal treatment using heated liquids. Engineering design of the precision dosing systems and the bioassays of weed and crop response to heated oils are underway. Typical weeds in Californias Sacramento Valley have been controlled by selective application of heated oils. Additional work will investigate the use of organically approved herbicides and spray adjuvants. Acetic acid was evaluated as a bio-derived herbicide; however, at concentrations that would quality as organically derived materials, the acetic acid was not reliably effective. Increasing concentration to the ca. 25% range significantly improved efficacy.
Impacts
Based on national surveys of organic crops growers and those considering conversion to organic production of specialty crops, control weed pests is one of the most significant barriers to organic production. Producers of specialty crops need weed control systems that are less dependent on manual labor and conventional herbicides. This project is developing weed detection methods based on machine vision and spectral techniques. Once weeds are identified and located, organic and reduced-risk chemicals may be used to control the weeds. Alternatively, precision thermal or mechanical control methods can be used. These methods will reduce growers dependence on conventional herbicides.
Publications
- Giles, D. K., Downey, D. and Slaughter, D. C. 2004. Liquid property and nozzle effects on flight time of pulsed jet spray. Atomization and Sprays 14(2):111-126.
- Downey, D., Giles, D. K. and Slaughter, D. C. 2004. Mapping weeds using DGPS and ground based vision identification. California Agriculture 58(4):218-221.
- Giles, D. K., Downey, D., Slaughter, D. C., Brevis-Acuna, J. C. and Lanini, T. 2004. Herbicide micro-dosing for weed control in field-grown processing tomatoes. Applied Engineering in Agriculture (In Press).
- Slaughter, D. C., Lanini, T. and Giles, D. K. 2004. Discriminating weeds from processing tomato plants using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. Transactions of the ASAE (In Press).
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Work has focused on detection and precision treatment of weeds within seedlines of high value, specialty crops, especially organic production. Machine vision techniques using image processing for shape analysis have been implemented in field situations to discriminate young weeds from crop plants. Success is dependent on physical separation between the weeds and crop plants. When separation is not possible, or the weeds and crops have similar shapes, spectral analysis has been investigated. Hyperspectral analysis, using 16-bit resolution, appears very promising with success rates over 95% under laboratory conditions. Similar analysis in the visual wavebands was not successful. Once weeds and crops have been distinguished, the challenge is to selectively treat the weeds while leaving the crop plants undamaged. Precision dosing systems are being designed and tested. Additionally, the use of fluid additives to enhance spread of liquid deposit while inhibiting splash of
the liquid has been investigated. Use of non-ionic surfactants and long-chain polymers, in optimal proportions, has proven to achieve the desired performance by virtually eliminating splash. A unique measurement system to quantify splash was developed; image processing was used to calculate the relative displacement and coverage area of misplaced liquid. A significant benefit of highly accurate spatial treatment of weeds within crop seedlines is that growers options for herbicide can be greatly expanded. Availability of chemically selective herbicides is decreasing and there are virtually no selective herbicides that are organically derived. If spatial selectivity can be achieved in herbicide application, non-selective herbicides can be used. Many non-selective herbicides offer significantly fewer environmental hazards than selective chemicals. Field experiments using microdosing equipment have determined that crop vigor and productivity, as measured by plant biomass, can be greatly
increased by using low doses of herbicides applied by the spatially-selective spot sprayer. These yields are higher than when conventional selective herbicides are used. The yield data suggested that low doses provided the optimal balance between weed control and phytotoxicity of crop plants. Additional work is underway to investigate the use of spatially-selective thermal treatment using heated oils and other liquids. Engineering design of the precision dosing systems and the bioassays of weed and crop response to heated oils are underway. Additional work will investigate the use of organically approved herbicides and spray adjuvants. Acetic acid is showing promise as a bio-derived herbicide; this conforms work at other institutions. Essential oils, such as cinnamon and clove oils have shown promise in greenhouse experiments but have been less efficacious in field trials.
Impacts
Producers of specialty crops need weed control systems that are less dependent on manual labor and conventional herbicides. This project is developing weed detection methods based on visual inspection. Once weeds are identified and located, organic and reduced-risk chemicals can be used to control the weeds. These methods will reduce reduce growers dependence on conventional herbicides.
Publications
- Downey, D., Giles, D. K. and Slaughter, D. C. 2003. Pulsed jet microspray applications for high spatial resolution of deposition on biological targets. Atomization and Sprays. (In Press)
- Giles, D. K., Slaughter, D. C., Woeny, D., Brevis-Acuna, J. C. and Lanini, W. T. 2003. Application design for machine vision guided selective spraying of weeds in high value crops. Aspects of Applied Biology - Pesticide Application. (In Press)
- Downey, D., Giles, D. K. and Slaughter, D. C. 2003. Ground based vision identification for weed mapping using DGPS. Presented at American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meeting in Las Vegas, NV. ASAE Paper 03-1005.
- Giles, D. K., Slaughter, D. C., Downey, D., Brevis-Acuna, J. C. and Lanini, W. T. 2003 Biological response from field application trials of targeted, pulsed-jet microsprayers. Presented at American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meeting in Las Vegas, NV. ASAE Paper 03-1154.
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