Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Factors Affecting Efficacy of Potato Spray Systems in Terms of Canopy Penetretion and Spray Coverage

Chuck Everett¹, Chris Riley² and Sandy Perley³
(Partners: Research and Productivity Council, Potato Producers Association of Prince Edward Island, AgroEvo Canada Inc., Agtrol, Novartis Crop Protection Canada Inc., Dupont Canada, ISK Biosciences, Rohm and Haas Canada Inc., Zeneca Agro)

Abstract: Trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of spray volume, droplet spectrum, boom height, and drop nozzles on the penetration of pesticide sprays into the canopy of potato crops and percent coverage of potato leaves. Penetration of spray into mid and lower canopies of potato crops was significantly affected by application volume, drop nozzles and droplet spectrum. Coverage of the upper surfaces of leaves in the upper canopy was significantly affected by application volume and boom height while coverage of the upper surfaces of leaves in mid and lower canopies was affected by application volume, droplet spectrum and drop nozzles. Coverage of the bottom surfaces of leaves was significantly affected by application volume and drop nozzles.

¹Land Resources Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
²Research and Productivity Council, Fredericton, NB E3B 6Z9
³Potato and Horticulture Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1