Pesticide Application in Vineyards
Electrostatic Sprayers
As mentioned, atomization is the process of breaking a liquid into droplets. Electrostatic spraying is a droplet charging technology applied after atomization has occurred. Just before the mist exits the nozzle, it is exposed to a high-voltage, low-current charge, usually at or near the nozzle outlet, producing electrically charged (negative) spray droplets. These droplets are carried into the vine canopy in a high-speed air stream. As the negatively charged droplets enter the canopy, they are attracted to the positively charged plant surface (opposite charges attract). This charge is small, but the force attracting the spray to the “target vine” is up to 75 times the force of gravity. This results in significantly improved droplet deposition over the canopy surface, increasing the likelihood of the pesticide reaching its target. The particles actually reverse direction and coat the back sides of the vines throughout the entire canopy.
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