Project Number: 3607-21620-006-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 24, 2003
End Date: Nov 30, 2004

Objective:
Determine biological and microclimate factors that affect application of pest control agents. Determine effects and interactions of spray-adjuvants and plant leaf surface structure on spray droplet retention and resulting efficacy. Determine the effects of meteorological, sprayer and crop conditions on coverage and drift from air-assisted spraying. Develop system for detecting/tracking insect populations and for injecting soilborne insect control formulations.

Approach:
Use electron beam analysis to assess disease factors that limit integrated crop management systems as related to application of control agents in greenhouse/nurseries. Residues of pesticides of leaf or inert sampling surfaces will be evaluated relative to factors that affect deposit and uptake. Study foliar microstructure/spray impaction processes; assess effects of spray-solution properties, especially surfactants, and leaf surface morphology factors that govern spray retention. Assay foliar coverage, ground deposits, and airborne drift from several types of air-assisted sprayer in orchards and nurseries. Investigate acoustical detection of soilbornes insect larvae in nursery soils to determine whether sensing of larvae presence is feasible; use radar tracking to help determine behavioral patterns of adult nursery insects.

Project Team

Zhu, Heping Krause, Charles - Chuck

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Air Quality (203)   Crop Production (305)

Related Projects

Biological, Microclimate, and Transport Processes Affecting Pest Control Application Technology    Water Quality Study in Pot-in-Pot Nurseries    Application Technology Research