a science,” Strmiska said. In his practice, he applies
engineering principles to adapting and tweaking spray
rigs to optimize effectiveness:
Nozzles
– The condition of the nozzles is critical, he
said, “Change the nozzles at least once per year.”
Nozzles wear quickly, especially aluminum, brass and
steel, he noted. The size and shape of the droplets
matter and are critical to control of insects.
Droplet size
– Spray rigs typically emit a range of droplet
sizes from any given nozzle, he explained, and the relative
span of droplet size matters. A narrow span is best.
Adjustment
– Adjust your spray rig to reach the top of
the trees. Most do not without some tweaking.
Speed
– Numerous tests have proven beyond doubt that
spray rigs are most effective at 2 mph, no slower, no faster.
Engine vs PTO
– Tests also have shown conclusively that
engine-driven spray rigs perform better than pto-driven
machines.
Spray every row
– Tests also show conclusively that
spraying every other row is not nearly as effective as
spraying every row, which data shows doubles the kill rate.
Full dose
– Do not skimp on material. Use a full dose.
Focus on every detail of the application. According to
Strmiska, spray application is the weakest link in the
almond farming operation.
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