Demonstration of new orchard sprayer technologies to reduce pesticide air drift and stream loading

The objectives of this project are to demonstrate new sprayer technologies to reduce pesticide drift and stream loading. New technology sprayers are appearing in the market, but until the full benefits of these new technologies are demonstrated to the growers, their adoption will continue to remain low. This project would demonstrate and quantify the benefits of using new/modified sprayers and sprayer practices to reduce off-target drift and increase spray application efficiency while achieving effective pest control. Findings will be integrated into a new set of BMPs for sprayer adjustments and modifications, spray practices, and sprayer types, and incorporated into ongoing grower outreach and BMP education programs throughout the Mid-Columbia fruit production region in Hood River and Wasco counties of Oregon, and Washington counties of Skamania and Klickitat.