This article was inspired by the following email: “I’m an organic apple grower with constant nozzle-clogging problems. These problems occur when we use wettable powders such as micronized sulfur and Surround WP. We always premix before adding to the tank through its strainer. Our airblast sprayers have towers and employ mechanical agitation. The nozzle/filter combo […]
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Winter, 2025 ONCore newsletter (Volume 29, Issue 1). We thought it was an excellent description of the integrated pest management process and where fungicide spraying fits in. It’s been modified from the original version. Part One: Know Your Enemy There is no denying that product efficacy and […]
Alternate Row (aka Alternate Row Middle [ARM]) spraying is an application method where the air-assist sprayer does not pass down every alley during an application. The sprayer operator is relying on the spray to pass through one or more rows and provide acceptable coverage to the entire canopy (or canopies) on a single pass. Some […]
Some springs are tougher than others. This article was originally written in 2019, which was particularly challenging. The frequency and duration of rain events left limited opportunity for orchard sprays. Even then, the periods between rains were transitions between warm and moist conditions and cold fronts, which makes wind gusty and changeable. These same periods […]
Editor’s Note: Changes have been made to this article since its original publication in 2015. Introduction When in-crop spraying is around the corner, sprayer tank clean out is an important topic to address on your farm. Many farms have done the same clean-out routine for years and not had any issues with contaminating residues in […]