Evaluation of spray application techniques on pome and stone fruit trees for improved spray deposition parameters for the control of late season red spider mite

The main objective of this study was to evaluate conventional and progressive spray volumes find more optimal spray application methodologies for late season red spider mite control.

Droplet density (requirement) and spray volume was evaluated through canopy adapted spraying, fluorometry and digital image analysis to find optimal water volumes to optimise pesticide deposition for improved red spider mite control. Bio-efficacy spray trials were implemented to evaluate red spider mite control pre and post spray application with various spray volumes.

Optimal droplet density (requirement) for a 2000 L/ha TRV 4m orchard was found to be around 500 to 1250 L/ha

Run-off was observed from 120 L/ha and higher

Low volume concentrate sprays on the same TRV canopy realised significanlty higher spray deposition parameters than traditional TRV model.

Red spider mite was controlled in bio-efficacy trials statistically similar with spray volumes ranging from 500 L/ha (optimal) to 2000 L/ha (super optimal).

Lower spray volumes in the adequate droplet density range for a spesific TRV orchard is just as effective and more efficient to control red spider mite populations than traditional high volume sprays.

Lower spray volumes in the adequate droplet density range for a spesific TRV orchard is just as effective and more efficient to control red spider mite populations than traditional high volume sprays.