Assessment of microbial biocontrol agent (BCA) viability to mechanical and thermal stress by simulating spray application conditions.

Background: In order to improve the biological control agent (BCA) efficacy, stress factors threatening the viability of microorganisms during spray application need to be determined. The effect of spray mixture temperature and exposure time on Trichoderma harzianum T 22 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST713 viability were tested. Concurrently the combined effect of mechanical and thermal stress effect on BCA viability were tested at two initial spray mixture temperatures (14 and 25 °C) by simulating a spray application using airblast sprayers featured by different tank capacity and a spray liquid circuit (without and with hydraulic agitation system).

Characterization of irrigator emitter to be used as solid set canopy delivery system: which is best for which role in the vineyard?

Background: The timely and flexible treatment of solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) is expanding. Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the performance of three different irrigators (Pulsar™ system and nozzle combination), typically used in anti-frost and irrigation in vineyards/apple orchards, for plant protection product (PPP) delivery in a Guyot-trained trellised vineyard.

Results: Results showed that irrigator setups perform best when matched to the task-flat fan emitters for horizontal spray application (canopy top) and circular emitters for middle and low canopy application.

UAV-spray application in vineyards: Flight modes and spray system adjustment effects on canopy deposit, coverage, and off-target losses.

Improvements in the spray application of plant protection products enhance agricultural sustainability by reducing environmental contamination, but by increasing food quality and human safety. Currently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are raising interest in spray applications in 3D crops. However, operational configurations of UAV-spray systems need further investigation to maximise the deposition in the canopy and minimise the off-target losses.

Boom sprayer optimizations for bed-grown carrots at different growth stages based on spray distribution and droplet characteristics.

Background: Pesticide losses and uneven spray distribution should be avoided as much as possible as they reduce the effectiveness of spraying and increase environmental contamination as well as costs. Within the H2020-project OPTIMA the goal is to develop a smart sprayer for bed-grown carrots, including optimizations such as air support and variable nozzle spacing. This paper focuses on selecting the most optimal nozzle types, spacing and height for spraying bed-grown crops, while taking into account different target zone widths depending on the growth stage, based on spray distribution and droplet characterization measurements.

Soil PM emission potential under specific mechanical stress and particles characteristics.

Soil can be resuspended in the atmosphere due to wind or mechanical disturbances, such as agricultural activities (sowing, tilling, etc.), producing fine particulate matter (PM). Agriculture is estimated to be the third PM-emitting sector in Europe, emitting more than the transportation sector.