Multivariate Analysis Applied to the Ground Application of Pesticides in the Corn Crop

Abstract

Including the correct combination of factors for the application technology of pesticides can improve their distribution on their targets. The aim of this work was to use multivariate analysis to study the effect size and the order of influence of three factors that interfere with pesticide application technology in corn crops. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted with two droplet size classes (fine and coarse), two application rates (80 and 150 L ha−1), and the presence of adjuvants (mineral oil one and two, and no adjuvant). A knapsack boom sprayer was used for the applications. Droplet deposition on the corn leaves was evaluated by detecting a tracer added to the spray via spectrophotometry and the droplet spectrum by analyzing water-sensitive papers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to integrate the variables analyzed. Droplet size has proven to be the most important factor in spraying planning, and the second factor is the application rate. With the association between fine droplets and higher application rates, a better performance was obtained in coverage, droplet density, and droplet deposition.