Spray patterns and perceptive canopy interaction assessment of commercial airblast sprayers used in Pacific Northwest perennial specialty crop production

Quantitative assessment and pertinent adjustments of airblast sprayers can help improve spraying efficiency, reduce off-target drift negative environmental impacts. In such pursuit, a study was conducted to characterize liquid spray delivery four commonly used in the Pacific Northwest region United States. Powerblast (S1), Pakblast (S2), Turbomist 30P (S3), Columbia Accutec (S4) sprayer units were evaluated using Smart Spray Analytical System (SSAS) commercial vertical patternator (CVSP). The spray-canopy interaction also quantified through penetration potential (SPP) (SDP) estimates specific canopy zones perceptive cherry, apple, grapevine crops. differences between two sides non-significant (p > 0.05) for all selected sprayers. symmetry uniformity very high (76–100%) (51–75%) ranges. All showed higher bottom-middle (fruiting zones) data suggests suitability S1, S3, S4 applications tall tree fruit canopies (e.g. apple SPP: 82–100%, SDP: 0–17%), but would need short grapevines, 43–66% 32–56%). Sprayer S2 suit with minor (SPP: 66–87% 12–32%). could be attributed air component designs. Measurement patternators collection efficiencies each patternator. Overall, driven characterization aid timely calibration crop requirements.