The other highlight of the sessions was the presentation on spray performance by David Mankelow from FreshLearn Ltd, NZ.
David highlighted the need for growers to have efficient and effective spray application both in terms of successful pest and disease control but also as a cost to your business and where savings can be made.
He also commented on growers to challenge themselves on the spray unit they have and ask the question “how well do you think your spray unit is depositing the chemical onto the target?”
It was surprising from the orchard spray demonstrations how much ineffective spray deposits were delivered. But with a little knowledge of the key considerations such as droplet size (70 – 150 micron), tractor speed (7-9kph), tree row volume (canopy size) and air velocity/volume and the use of water sensitive papers demonstrated that by taking this practical approach you can identify if you are depositing 80% or greater to the target.
Between presentation and the orchard demonstration over three hours were needed, so it is impossible to cover all the key factors adequately in a short overview
The full report of the demonstrations that David has conducted nationally will be available on the APAL website post tour.
To assist growers to gain a better understanding of how to implement David’s calibration approach it is FGVL’s intention to devote a series of periodic information updates discussing each of the key components necessary for successful spray application and how to practically implement the calibration methods used in the demonstrations
For any further information contact Tony Filippi Northern Growers 0400 795 539 or
Some Photos from the day
