Droplet Spectrum Produced in Pumpkin Cultures Submitted to Different Forms of Spraying

Abstract

The uniformity and droplet size produced during the spraying as well the correct deposition of these in the target, contribute directly to the success of a pesticide application. The objective of the present study was to characterize the ejected spray in the aerial and terrestrial spraying of pumpkin crops, with the use of adjuvants in a liquid solution. The experiment was carried out in two commercial plantations, in an entirely randomized design, employing a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, with six forms of application and two liquid compositions. The droplet spectrum was assessed employing water-sensitive card imaging. Smaller drop sizes and relative amplitudes were produced by aerial applications. In turn, the largest droplet diameters and the lowest percentage of drops smaller than 100 μm were obtained when using air induction twin flat spray nozzles. The adjuvant did not interfere in the numerical and volumetric median diameters, the relative amplitude, or the volume rate of droplets smaller than 100 μm.