Pest control is a critical component of orchard management and remains a top priority for fruit growers throughout the year. However, many farmers are not achieving optimal results with their pest control efforts, despite spending significant amounts on pesticides. This inefficiency often stems from several factors, including the improper selection of pesticides, poor quality products, and incorrect spraying techniques. Among these, incorrect application methods are one of the main reasons why pesticide effectiveness is not fully realized.
Common Issues in Orchard Spraying
1. **Over-concentration and Close-range Spraying**
Some farmers tend to increase the concentration of the pesticide without adjusting the water volume, leading to uneven coverage. This practice not only reduces the effectiveness of the treatment but can also cause phytotoxicity. Additionally, spraying too close to the trees can damage leaves and fruit due to high-pressure sprays, which may even harm the fruit surface.
2. **Spraying Like Washing Trees**
A common misconception among some growers is that more spray means better results. They often drench the trees with excessive liquid, believing it will kill pests more effectively. However, this approach is counterproductive. Pesticides need to be absorbed by the plant or come into contact with pests through specific mechanisms—such as ingestion or fumigation—not just by flooding the tree. Excessive water can block stomata, reducing absorption and causing waste, while also increasing the risk of phytotoxicity and lowering fruit quality.
3. **Poor Atomization and Inadequate Spray Pressure**
Manual sprayers often lack sufficient pressure, resulting in poor atomization and uneven droplet distribution. Some motorized sprayers have large nozzles that further reduce the efficiency of the spray. Farmers sometimes modify their nozzles to spray faster, but this often leads to larger droplets, which do not cover the tree uniformly and reduce the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Improving Spraying Techniques
1. **Adopt Proper Spraying Habits**
Farmers should adjust their spraying based on tree size and leaf density. It's important to maintain a balanced water-to-pesticide ratio and ensure even coverage. Spraying should be done systematically, starting from the top and working downward, covering both sides of the leaves without missing any areas. The goal is to keep the foliage moist without allowing excess liquid to drip off.
2. **Upgrade Equipment for Better Atomization**
Manual sprayers are inefficient and labor-intensive. It’s better to use motorized sprayers with multi-nozzle heads that provide finer mist and better coverage. Replacing single-hole nozzles with dual or triple-hole ones can significantly improve atomization, ensuring even distribution and less damage to the fruit.
3. **Master the Technique of Spraying**
Proper spraying technique is essential. The sprayer pressure should be consistent, and the nozzle should be kept at an appropriate distance—ideally around 50 cm from the crop. Too much pressure or too close a distance can harm the fruit. The angle of the spray head also plays a role: a wider cone produces finer droplets, while a narrower cone results in larger droplets. Understanding how pressure, angle, and distance affect spray uniformity can greatly enhance the effectiveness of pest control.
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