Ecorobotix’s ARA Sprayer: A targeted sprayer that’s finding its place in Ontario vegetable fields

Targeted spraying is a technology that enables the site-specific application of plant protection products and liquid fertilizers based on sensor readings. Some of the latest machines incorporate computer vision and processing capabilities that can distinguish between different types of weeds and crops based on multiple adjustable criteria. The Swiss-made ARA Sprayer by Ecorobotix, has recently […]

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Circulating Spray Mix Through a Tank-Rinse Nozzle Maintains Nematode Concentration

(A) Tank-rinse assembly mounted through tank lid with a flow-regulating valve. (B) Close up of tank-rinse nozzle.

This article was co-written with Jennifer Llewellyn, former OMAFA Nursery Crop Specialist With more and more bio-rational products on the market, crop protection methods may require reassessment. Certain products require exacting water quality, cannot tolerate residues, and have half-lives that are both time- and temperature-critical. We’ve been getting questions about sprayer compatibility with some of […]

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Strainers (aka Filters)

The level of filtration required for any given spray operation depends on the materials sprayed and the nuisance factor: That is, the balance between lost productivity from plugged nozzles and the effort required to address them during rinsing. There are opportunities to install strainers at the tank opening (usually a basket), the suction-side of the […]

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Why are my airblast nozzles plugging?

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 […]

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CTS for airblast sprayers – A learning process

As Canadian farmers begin to adopt closed transfer systems (CTS), growing pains are to be expected. Instructions for installation and use are primarily European and field-sprayer centric. We’ve seen precious little in the way of practical advice for incorporating CTS into airblast operations. This is a “live” article which we’ll update periodically. We encourage readers […]

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