Development of Drift-Reducing Spouts For Vineyard Pneumatic Sprayers: Measurement of Droplet Size Spectra Generated and Their Classification

UAV-spray application in vineyards: Flight modes and spray system adjustment effects on canopy deposit, coverage, and off-target losses

Improvements in the spray application of plant protection products enhance agricultural sustainability by reducing environmental contamination, but by increasing food quality and human safety. Currently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are raising interest in spray applications in 3D crops. However, operational configurations of UAV-spray systems need further investigation to maximise the deposition in the canopy and minimise the off-target losses. Our experimental research focused on investigating the effects on the canopy spray deposition and coverage due to different UAV-spray system configurations. Twelve configurations were tested under field conditions in an experimental vineyard (cv. Barbera), derived from the combination of different UAV flight modes (band and broadcast spray applications), nozzle types (conventional and air inclusion), and UAV cruise speeds (1 and 3 m s^-1). Also, the best treatment, among those tested, by using the UAV-spray system and a traditional airblast sprayer were compared. The data was analysed by testing the effects of the three operational parameters and their two- and three-way interactions by means of linear mixed models. The results indicated that the flight mode deeply affects spray application efficiency. Compared to the broadcast spray modes, the band spray mode was able to increase the average canopy deposition from 0.052 to 0.161 μL cm^-2 (+ 309 %) and reduce the average ground losses from 0.544 to 0.246 μL cm^-2 (- 54 %). The conventional airblast sprayer, operated at a low spray application rate, showed higher canopy coverage and lower ground losses in comparison to the best UAV-spray system configuration.

Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on the Environment

Pesticides are indispensable in agricultural production. They have been used by farmers to control weeds and insects, and their remarkable increases in agricultural products have been reported. The increase in the world's population in the 20th century could not have been possible without a parallel increase in food production. About one-third of agricultural products are produced depending on the application of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, there would be a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% loss of vegetable production, and a 32% loss of cereal production. Therefore, pesticides play a critical role in reducing diseases and increasing crop yields worldwide. Thus, it is essential to discuss the agricultural development process; the historical perspective, types and specific uses of pesticides; and pesticide behavior, its contamination, and adverse effects on the natural environment. The review study indicates that agricultural development has a long history in many places around the world. The history of pesticide use can be divided into three periods of time. Pesticides are classified by different classification terms such as chemical classes, functional groups, modes of action, and toxicity. Pesticides are used to kill pests and control weeds using chemical ingredients; hence, they can also be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-target plants, as well as air, water, soil, and crops. Moreover, pesticide contamination moves away from the target plants, resulting in environmental pollution. Such chemical residues impact human health through environmental and food contamination. In addition, climate change-related factors also impact on pesticide application and result in increased pesticide usage and pesticide pollution. Therefore, this review will provide the scientific information necessary for pesticide application and management in the future.