Comparison of Spray Configurations in a Spray Cabin Design for Ornamental Potted Plants: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Abstract. With the implementation of integrated pest management in the European Union, growers are obliged to manage pests in a manner that minimizes health and environmental risks due to the use of plant protection products. Among other approaches, this goal can be achieved by optimizing spray application techniques. As an alternative to the predominantly used handheld equipment, such as spray guns, spray boom systems might substantially improve spray application, and thus crop protection management, in greenhouses. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to compare different spray configurations in a spray cabin designed to spray ornamental potted plants that are moving on a conveyor belt. Seven different spray configurations were examined for optimal spray deposition in two crops (azalea and ivy) using mineral chelate tracers. The deposition tests showed that the presented prototype can satisfactorily spray potted plants up to a height of 25 cm including the pot height. The best spray deposition was found with two flat-fan nozzles oriented 35° upward, spraying at 1.0 bar and an application rate of 1047 L ha-1. This configuration increased deposition on the underside of the leaves and at the middle foliage layer compared to the other configurations that were evaluated. The spray cabin with a band spray setting has potential to mitigate the use of plant protection products and achieve a more efficient spray application compared to traditional handheld techniques and broadcast spray boom techniques. Keywords: Crop protection, Integrated pest management, Nozzle type, Spray deposition.