Project Number: 6402-22000-058-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jan 11, 2008
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
Objectives are: 1) Development of technology for optimizing drift-measurement techniques; 2) Development of technology for improved drift management and pattern uniformity associated with aerial application; and 3) Development of technology for remote sensing and variable-rate aerial application.

Approach:
This project seeks to advance application technology through improvements in 1)drift measurement technology, 2)drift management technology, 3)the use of low-altitude remote sensing to identify weed pests and preferred habitat for insect pests, and 4)the performance of variable rate systems for aerial application. Drift measurement techniques are proposed that account for varying environmental conditions existing during the implementation of a drift study. Techniques that do not confound treatment data with environmental effects will be examined. While drift management is a concern for all pesticide applications, it is of particular concern for aerial applications. The potential for drift is greater for aerial application due to higher heights of spray release and greater air turbulence in the wake of the aircraft. Turbulence also tends to disrupt the pattern of spray deposit in the wake of the aircraft. A study is proposed that uses video assessment to evaluate the effects of air turbulence on spray released from specific points of interest in the vicinity of the spray boom. Particular emphasis will be given to identifying the zones of influence associated with wing-tip vortices and the propeller slipstream. Results of the study will provide guidance for nozzle placement to minimize the effect of the propeller slipstream and wingtip vortices. Techniques are proposed for improving remote sensing by using digital video and high resolution digital cameras on low altitude platforms to discriminate weeds from crop and wild host plants attractive to insects. Multispectral data from low altitude platforms will also be used to detect time and locations within a cotton field for terminating insecticide applications. A variable rate aerial application system is proposed that will be improved through interaction with system component manufacturers. Techniques for processing and analyzing remote sensing data are proposed to enhance conversion of remote sensing data to application prescriptions in near-real time. Experiments are also proposed to demonstrate the validity of techniques developed.