Harvest is mostly done and growers want to hear what we’ve learned and what’s coming next. Lecture season is upon us once again. We’re still finding our way through virtual conferences and hybrid models, but I like to think we’re slowly returning to the in-person format. Just last week I gave my first in-person talk […]
In 2019 we evaluated the spray coverage from nine application methods on corn silks. The results showed that a directed application from drop hoses (aka drop pipes, drop legs) suspended in between the rows gave significantly higher deposits. If you’d like some context and history, the article can be found here. The results led us […]
Read More… from Beluga Drop Hoses in Corn – Utility and Return on Investment
Greenhouse Insects The aesthetic value of ornamental plants requires a near-zero tolerance for insect pests, which cause up to 10% of crop losses per season. Controlling them with insecticides is a difficult proposition: Key pests such as thrips, aphids and whiteflies tend to feed on the underside of leaves – a notoriously difficult surface to […]
Read More… from Air-Assisted Spraying in Greenhouse Ornamentals
Adjusting Sprayer Settings Operators are encouraged to adjust airblast sprayer settings to conform to the variability in canopy size, density, spacing, and weather conditions. The efficiency and accuracy of the application is improved through the regular and independent adjustment of travel speed, nozzle output, and air settings. Inflexible sprayer design results in a suboptimal match […]
The role of pressure is often underappreciated in spraying. Many airblast operators (still) don’t use rate controllers, so the only way to monitor sprayer pressure is using a single liquid-filled pressure gauge located near the pump… and it may not be trustworthy. An inaccurate pressure gauge may cause you to spray more or less product […]