Crop-Adapted Spraying – A Multiyear Study in Highbush Blueberry (2022 Update)

This case study is taking place on a 15 acre highbush blueberry operation in southern Ontario. In 2016, considerable pressure from spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) prompted the growers to make changes to their crop management practices and their spray program. They employed a three-pronged approach to improving crop protection: We have been tracking pesticide use, water […]

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How to Spray Ginseng

Timed output test. Prepare to get very wet. Sprayer must be clean and PPE is a must.

This article was co-written with Dr. Sean Westerveld, Ontario Ginseng and Herb Specialist. Introduction An effective ginseng protection program begins with observing the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process: When spraying is warranted, the operator should understand the basics of application technology. This not only includes the equipment, but the effects of changing spraying parameters (such […]

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Droning On and On – RPAS Pilot Certification in Canada

In Canada, the use of drones for pesticide application, otherwise known as Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), is regulated by two Federal Departments: Transport Canada establishes regulations for safe operation and Health Canada for the registration and conditions of use of pest control products. Drones are already used in Canadian agriculture for crop surveillance and […]

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Adjusting Sprayer for Alternate Rows

An “Alternate Row Middle (ARM)” traffic pattern is where the sprayer passes down every second row. The intent is to improve work rate by cutting the driving time in half. The operator hopes to provide suitable coverage on both the sprayer-facing half of the canopy, and that half of the canopy facing the next alley. […]

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Clean Your Nozzles

When operators winterize their sprayers, they should remove all the tips and store them separately. Many store them in large pails with lids. Calibrating the sprayer just prior to winterizing will indicate if the nozzles should be stored, or replaced. Let’s assume each tip flow rate is within 5% of the average output and no more than 5% […]

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