Spray Spectrum of Spray Droplets Concerning

Fungicide Control in Dense Canopy

Selecting the proper nozzle:

Legal issues!!Following the label!

Changes in the Application Industry! Historically inefficient process Increased cost per acre for crop protection Rates are changing (< an ounce/acre) More pest specific products (foliar) Biotechnology and GMO’s – Issues???? More sophisticated equipment (electronics) $$$ Environmental impact (water and air quality) Drift!!!!!!! Variable rates Site-specific ASR

Nozzles are important because: Control the amount – GPA. Determine uniformity of application. Affects the coverage. Influences the drift potential.

Nozzle Technology? Nozzles designed to reduce drift Improved drop size control Emphasis on ‘Spray Quality’

Nozzle Spray Spectrum

1/2 of spray volume = larger droplets1/2 of spray volume = larger droplets

VMDVMD

1/2 of spray volume = smaller droplets1/2 of spray volume = smaller droplets

Comparison of Micron Sizes for Various Items: (approximate values) pencil lead 2000 (m)

paper clip 850 (m) staple 420 (m) toothbrush bristle 300 (m) sewing thread 150 (m) human hair 100 (m)

150

Cutting Droplet Size in HalfResults in Eight Times the Number of Droplets

Cutting Droplet Size in HalfResults in Eight Times the Number of Droplets

500Microns

500Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

250Microns

Air-Induction/Venturi Nozzles Where air is drawn into the nozzle

cavity and exits with the fluid.

Air/Induction – Venturi Nozzle: Greenleaf – TurboDrop Air intake venturi section Mixing Chamber - air and

spray solution blended Pattern tip forms large air-

bubble drops Exit tip flow 2X venturi

orifice Better Penetration? Reduced run-off? Improved coverage? Adequate efficacy? Reduced drift?

TTI Nozzle (XC)

What about the cost of the nozzle?

Rated Pressure =40 psi for most nozzle types10 psi for turbo flood nozzles

Nomenclature:

Stainless Steel Insert Orifice

Trade Name

Fan angle and flow rate-orifice size

Extended Range

VisiFlo Color Coding

(S,H,P,K,SS)

20 40 80

Turbodrop XL @ 20, 40, 80 psi XR Flat-fan @ 20, 40, 80 psi

20 40 80

Why is Spray Spectrum Important?

Asian Soybean Rust Potential for large yield impacts Currently on the way… Applications have to done

Correctly

Timely

ASR BMP’s for Nozzle ASR BMP’s for Nozzle SelectionSelection

Application rate = 20 GPA Use MEDIUM droplets Use a twin nozzle package Purchase your nozzles NOW! Prepare your sprayer and calibrate

NOW!

Virginia Ag Expo 2005

Section #1TurboDrop XL – 100o

TDXL11005 – 15 GPACOARSE Droplets

Section #4TJ60-8008 TwinJet22 GPAMEDIUM Droplets

Section #5 - YellowXR Flat FanXR8002 - 6GPAFINE Droplets

Why Droplet Size is Important?

DropletClassification

Droplet Size (microns)

Recommended Uses

Fine 119 - 216 Insecticides andFungicidesMedium 217 - 353

Medium 217 - 353 Herbicides andPostemergenceCoarse 354 - 464

Very Coarse > 464 Soil Applicationsof Herbicides

ASR – medium droplet

Twin Nozzles

Nozzle Spreadsheethttp://www.ppws.vt.edu/ipm/soybeanrust/index.h

tm

ASR BMP’s for Nozzle ASR BMP’s for Nozzle SelectionSelection

Application rate = 20 GPA Use MEDIUM droplets Use a twin nozzle package Purchase your nozzles NOW! Prepare your sprayer and calibrate

NOW!