Evaluation of the Effects of Airflow Distribution Patterns on Deposit Coverage and Spray Penetration in Multi-Unit Air-Assisted Sprayer

Efficient utilization is a pre-requisite for pesticide reduction, and appropriate airflow distribution pattern plays key role in enhancing the effectiveness of application by air-assisted orchard sprayers, yet mechanism this unclear. In order to clarify specific effects velocity direction on spraying efficacy, series spray tests pear cherry open areas were conducted multi-unit sprayer ten different fan settings. Several deposit indicators analyzed contrasted with air distribution. The results showed that an increase inside canopy improved abaxial side coverage both (from 3.33% 11.80% Top from 6.26% 11.00% Upper canopy) leaves 3.61% 10.87% canopy, 1.36% 9.04% Middle 3.40% Bottom canopy), but had no significant effect penetration. correlation between velocities/directions was evaluated, indicated enhanced velocities, forward horizontal direction, (CAB) outside (p < 0.001), cherry, none impact CAB independently. On other hand, increased angle cross-row plane pear, as well velocities vertical negative adaxial 0.01). findings study might be helpful improve performance orchards, especially deposition, could provide reference further investigations about deposition.