Evaluating the effectiveness of low volume spray application using air-assisted knapsack sprayers in wine vineyards. Issue 2 (22nd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Michael, Costas; Gil, Emilio; Gallart, Montserrat; Kanetis, Loukas; Stavrinides, Menelaos C.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pest management. Volume 68:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2022-03-22
• Subjects: Volume rate -- spray deposition -- Lobesia botrana -- Plasmopara viticola -- pesticide application methods; Pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Periodicals; Plant diseases -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Periodicals; 632.9
• DOI: 10.1080/09670874.2020.1807652
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-0874

Abstract

Abstract: We evaluated spray coverage on grape leaves and bunches by a high-volume sprayer (HVS), an air-assisted, low volume knapsack sprayer (LVS), and a motorized knapsack dust applicator modified to spray liquid formulations (common sprayer – CS). At the full development of the vine canopy 1400, 250 and 150 L ha −1 were applied via HVS, CS and LVS, respectively. Sprayer type, leaf or bunch orientation, leaf position and leaf side significantly affected spray coverage ( P < 0.001). Mean spray coverage on leaves or bunches was below 21% for CS, and above 40 and 55% for LVS and HVS, respectively. Downy mildew leaf infection was below 5% throughout the season, with a significant effect of sprayer, time and an interaction between sprayer and time ( P < 0.001). Grape berry moth damage did not differ between sprayers and the untreated control. The current work suggests that LVS might be a viable alternative to HVS, but further work is needed to establish whether differences in spray coverage affect biological efficacy.