scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Spray from a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System in a High-Density Apple Orchard Retrofitted with Modified Emitters

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 709
Author(s):  
Rakesh Ranjan ◽  
Rajeev Sinha ◽  
Lav R. Khot ◽  
Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel ◽  
Matthew Grieshop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Hollow Cone ◽  
Perennial Crop ◽  
Laboratory Assessment ◽  
Leaf Surfaces ◽  
Tracer Solution

Solid Set Canopy Delivery Systems (SSCDS) are fixed agrochemical delivery systems composed of a network of micro-sprayers/nozzles distributed in perennial crop canopies. A previous SSCDS design composed of a 3-tier configuration using hollow cone sprayer nozzles has been shown to provide excellent coverage and deposition in high-density apple orchards. However, the hollow cone nozzles substantially increases the initial system installation costs. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation micro-emitters replacement on spray deposition, coverage and off-target drift. A micro-emitter used in greenhouse irrigation systems was duly modified to enhance its applicability with SSCDS. After laboratory assessment and optimization of the micro-emitters, a replicated field study was conducted to compare 3-tier SSCDS configured with either of modified irrigation micro-emitters or traditional hollow cone nozzles. Canopy deposition and off target drift were evaluated using a 500 ppm fluorescent tracer solution sprayed by the field installed systems and captured on mylar collectors. Spray coverage was evaluated using water sensitive papers. The overall canopy deposition and coverage for treatment configured with modified irrigation micro-emitters (955.5 ± 153.9 [mean ± standard error of mean] ng cm−2 and 22.7 ± 2.6%, respectively) were numerically higher than the hollow cone nozzles (746.2 ± 104.7 ng cm−2 and 19.0 ± 2.8%, respectively). Moreover, modified irrigation micro-emitter SSCDS had improved spray uniformity in the canopy foliage and on either side of leaf surfaces compared to a hollow cone nozzle. Ground and aerial spray losses, quantified as deposition, were numerically lower for the modified irrigation micro-emitter (121.8 ± 43.4 ng cm−2 and 0.7 ± 0.1 ng cm−2, respectively) compared to the traditional hollow cone nozzle (447.4 ± 190.9 ng cm−2 and 3.2 ± 0.4 ng cm−2, respectively). Overall, the modified irrigation micro-emitter provided similar or superior performance to the traditional hollow cone nozzle with an estimated 12 times reduction in system installation cost.

scholarly journals Effect of Emitter Modifications on Spray Performance of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System in a High-Density Apple Orchard

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13248
Author(s):  
Rakesh Ranjan ◽  
Rajeev Sinha ◽  
Lav R. Khot ◽  
Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel ◽  
Matthew J. Grieshop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Leaf Surfaces ◽  
Tracer Solution ◽  
Economical System ◽  
Pesticide Drift ◽  
The Impact

Optimally configured solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) can provide adequate spray performance in high-density apple orchards with a minimized risk of off-target pesticide drift. SSCDS configured in a shower-down emitter arrangement have been reported to be the simplest and most economical system. However, existing off-the-shelf emitters used in shower-down configurations have resulted in minimal deposition in lower canopy zones. Therefore, this study was focused on the modifications of off-the-shelf emitters to obtain a desirable spray pattern for adequate spray deposition in all the canopy zones. The modifications include redesigning the impact plate of two existing micro-emitters. Field tests were conducted to evaluate the spray performance of SSCDS with the non-modified emitters (treatment: SD1 and SD3) and contrast the results with modified emitters (treatment: SD2 and SD4). While the treatments SD1 and SD3 had off-the-shelf emitters with swivel plate and static spreader, respectively, the treatment SD2 and SD4 had similar emitters with modified impactor plates. In each treatment block, the apple canopy was divided into six zones and sprayed with a 500 ppm fluorescent tracer solution. Mylar cards and water-sensitive paper samplers were placed on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces in each canopy zone to quantify spray deposition and coverage, respectively. The SSCDS treatments retrofitted with modified emitters, i.e., SD2 and SD4, were observed to have uniform and numerically higher deposition and coverage compared to SD1 and SD3. The SSCDS treatment with modified static spreader (i.e., SD4) resulted in the highest overall spray deposition (1405.7 ± 156.4 ng cm−2 [mean ± standard error]) with improved mid (1121.6 ± 186.9 ng cm−2) and bottom (895.6 ± 149.3 ng cm−2) canopy deposition. Overall, the proposed emitter modification assisted in improved SSCDS spray performances and may be a way forward toward large-scale emplacements of such systems.

Field Performance of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System Configured for High-Density Tall Spindle Architecture Trained Apple Canopies

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1735-1745
Author(s):  
Rajeev Sinha ◽  
Lav Khot ◽  
Gwen Hoheisel ◽  
Matthew Grieshop
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Vertical Plane ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
List Type ◽  
Hollow Cone ◽  
Leaf Surfaces

HighlightsVariants of a solid set canopy delivery system were evaluated in a high-density apple orchard.A pair of hollow-cone nozzles installed in three tiers had optimum spray performance for studied crop growth stages.A shower-down arrangement of emitters was the simplest design but had lesser deposition on abaxial leaf surfaces.Abstract. Optimally configured solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) based spraying has potential to improve tree-fruit crop pest and disease management by reducing application time and eliminating dependence on ground conditions. In such an effort, this study attempted to optimize SSCDS variants. Four different emitter types (E1 to E4) installed in different mounting configurations (C1 to C4) were evaluated for spray deposition and coverage in a high-density apple orchard trained in tall spindle architecture. Emitters E1, E2, and E4 had full circle spray patterns, and E3 had a hollow-cone pattern. Configuration C1 had a pair of E1 emitters spraying in a vertical plane and installed between two trees at 1.5 m above ground level (AGL). Another E1 emitter spraying in a horizontal plane was mounted atop each tree at 3.3 m AGL. Configurations C2 and C4 had emitters (E2 and E4, respectively) mounted atop each tree at 3.3 m AGL, and C3 had a pair of E3 emitters installed in a three-tier arrangement between two trees in the crop row. During field trials, a tree canopy about 3.0 m tall was divided into three zones (0 to 1.4 m, >1.4 to 2.2 m, and >2.2 to 3.0 m AGL) as bottom, middle, and top canopy zones, respectively. Mylar cards were used to quantify spray deposition using fluorometry, and water-sensitive papers (WSPs) were used to quantify coverage using image processing. Configuration C3 with 80° hollow-cone nozzles in a twin-emitter, three-tier arrangement had the highest overall spray deposition (581.1 ±77.8 ng cm-2, mean ± standard error) and coverage (18.4% ±4.1%). Moreover, C3 also had a significantly higher coverage on the abaxial surfaces of leaves compared to the other configurations. Configurations C1 was non-optimal because it lacked abaxial surface coverage as the canopy grew in the middle and late growth stages. Moreover, significant spray runoff from leaf surfaces was observed visually in the middle zone for C1 during the middle and late stages. This may be attributed to canopy growth around the emitters. Configurations C2 and C4, with emitters in a shower-down arrangement, had the highest deposition and coverage in the top canopy zone compared to the middle and bottom zones. Configurations C2 and C4 also had significantly higher spray coverage on the adaxial surfaces of leaves compared to the abaxial surfaces. Overall, despite the complex design of configuration C3 with six emitters per tree, it may be the most ideal arrangement for agrochemical application in an apple orchard trained in tall spindle architecture. For commercial feasibility, we recommend exploring this three-tier SSCDS configuration with low-cost emitter alternatives. Pertinent continuing efforts have been published by our group in which we successfully modified low-cost irrigation emitters, and the resulting three-tier SSCDS configurations had improved spray performance over expensive hollow-cone nozzles. Keywords: Fixed spray system, High-density apple orchard, Solid set canopy delivery system, Spray coverage, Spray deposition, SSCDS.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Pneumatic Solid Set Canopy Delivery System for High-Density Apple Orchards

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Sinha ◽  
Rakesh Ranjan ◽  
Haitham Y. Bahlol ◽  
Lav R. Khot ◽  
Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Operating Pressure ◽  
Apple Orchards ◽  
Crop Growth Stages ◽  
And Performance

Abstract. Solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) are fixed spray systems that consist of a network of permanently plumbed emitters in high-density tree-fruit orchard canopies. Most of the previously configured SSCDS worked on the principle of hydraulic spray delivery (HSD), which may not be suitable for large-scale installation due to the drop in operating pressure caused by frictional losses in the spray lines. Therefore, a pneumatic spray delivery (PSD) based SSCDS was developed in this study for potentially achieving uniform spray application at all locations along the spray lines. A reservoir subsystem was developed to contain a precisely metered amount of spray liquid. Once filled, compressed air pushed through the spray lines can pressurize the reservoir to help deliver uniform spray into the canopy through emitters. In this study, HSD and PSD systems of 91 m set length were installed in a high-density apple orchard. Both systems were evaluated for variations in operating pressure, spray output, and spray performance. Spray performance was quantified during the middle (BBCH 75) and late (BBCH 85) apple (cv. WA-38 on tall spindle architecture) crop growth stages. Deposition and coverage in three canopy zones and on both sides of leaves were evaluated using Mylar cards and water-sensitive papers (WSP) as samplers, respectively. The Mylar cards and WSP were respectively analyzed using fluorometry and image processing. Statistically similar operating pressure (p > 0.05) was observed for the HSD and PSD systems at 3 m (286.1 and 284.1 kPa, respectively), 33 m (268.4 and 270.5 kPa), 60 m (260.6 and 268.9 kPa), and 87 m (255.3 and 257.9 kPa) from the row inlet. Despite the operating pressure drop, the PSD system had uniform spray output along the 91 m spray line. Compared to the HSD system, about 4%, 3%, 5%, and 20% higher spray output was delivered with the PSD system at 3, 33, 60, and 87 m, respectively, along the spray line. Overall, the PSD system had significantly higher mean spray deposition (p < 0.01) compared to the HSD system during the middle (521 and 382 ng cm-2, respectively) and late (631 and 409 ng cm-2, respectively) growth stages. The PSD system also had numerically higher spray deposition compared to the HSD system for all the canopy zones and on either side of leaf surfaces. Spray coverage trends were similar to deposition; however, the differences were not significant. Overall, the PSD-based SSCDS shows potential for large-scale installation, with additional refinements, for uniform spray applications in high-density apple orchards. Keywords: Hydraulic spray delivery, Pneumatic spray delivery, Solid set canopy delivery system, Spray coverage, Spray deposition.

scholarly journals Applied Nanotechnologies in Anticoagulant Therapy: From Anticoagulants to Coagulation Test Performance of Drug Delivery Systems

Applied Nano ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-117
Author(s):  
Yuri B. G. Patriota ◽  
Luíse L. Chaves ◽  
Evren H. Gocke ◽  
Patricia Severino ◽  
Mônica F. R. Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Reversal Agent ◽  
Laboratory Assessment ◽  
Administration Routes

Heparin-based delivery systems have been explored to improve their therapeutic efficacy and to reduce toxicity for different administration routes. Regardless of the applied drug delivery system (DDS), the evaluation of anticoagulant performance is instrumental for the development of a suitable DDS. The understanding of the range of anticoagulant assays, together with their key applications and limitations, is essential both within the context of scientific research and for clinical usage. This review provides an overview of the current anticoagulant therapy and discusses the advantages and limitations of currently available anticoagulant assays. We also discuss studies involving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)-based nanocarriers with emphasis on their anticoagulation performance. Conventional anticoagulants have been used for decades for the treatment of many diseases. Direct oral anticoagulants have overcome some limitations of heparins and vitamin K antagonists. However, the lack of an accurate laboratory assessment, as well as the lack of a factor “xaban” (Xa) inhibitor reversal agent, remains a major problem associated with these anticoagulants. LMWHs represent anticoagulant agents with noteworthy efficacy and safety, and they have been explored to improve their outcomes with various nanocarriers through several administration routes. The main problems related to LMWHs have been surmounted, and improved efficiency may be achieved through the use of DDSs.

scholarly journals The Effect of Weed Competition on Apple Fruit Quality

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ersin ATAY ◽  
Seckin GARGIN ◽  
Ahmet ESITKEN ◽  
N. Pinar GUZEL ◽  
A. Nilgun ATAY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Weed Competition ◽  
Soluble Solids Content ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Potassium Magnesium

Orchard performance is influenced by weed competition. In this study, the effects of weed competition on nutrient contents, chemical and physical fruit quality properties were sought. The study was carried out in a high-density apple orchard (‘Golden Delicious’/M.9) over two consecutive growing seasons. The effect of weed competition was studied at three different levels: weak, moderate and strong. Fruit firmness, soluble solids content, macronutrients (such as nitrogen, potassium and calcium) and potassium+magnesium/calcium ratio in fruit were significantly affected by weed competition. Strong weed competition negatively affected soluble solids content and potassium+magnesium/calcium ratio. In both trial years, soluble solids content was significantly higher in weak weed competition. In the first year of the study, soluble solids content ranged between 13.77±0.06% (strong weed competition) and 15.20±0.10% (weak weed competition). In the following year, soluble solids content values were determined as 13.13±0.23% in strong weed competition and 13.83±0.21% in weak weed competition. Weak weed competition showed superiority for fruit weight and potassium+magnesium/calcium ratio. As a whole, this study indicates that insufficient weed control in tree rows might be a limiting factor for fruit quality in high-density apple orchards.

scholarly journals Spray Deposition on Weeds (Palmer Amaranth and Morningglory) from a Remotely Piloted Aerial Application System and Backpack Sprayer

Drones ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Daniel Martin ◽  
Vijay Singh ◽  
Mohamed A. Latheef ◽  
Muthukumar Bagavathiannan
Keyword(s):  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Palmer Amaranth ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Aerial Application ◽  
Spray Droplet ◽  
Application System ◽  
Leaf Surfaces

This study was designed to determine whether a remotely piloted aerial application system (RPAAS) could be used in lieu of a backpack sprayer for post-emergence herbicide application. Consequent to this objective, a spray mixture of tap water and fluorescent dye was applied on Palmer amaranth and ivyleaf morningglory using an RPAAS at 18.7 and 37.4 L·ha−1 and a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer at a 140 L·ha−1 spray application rate. Spray efficiency (the proportion of applied spray collected on an artificial sampler) for the RPAAS treatments was comparable to that for the backpack sprayer. Fluorescent spray droplet density was significantly higher on the adaxial surface for the backpack sprayer treatment than that for the RPAAS platforms. The percent of spray droplets on the abaxial surface for the RPAAS aircraft at 37.4 L·ha−1 was 4-fold greater than that for the backpack sprayer at 140 L·ha−1. The increased spray deposition on the abaxial leaf surfaces was likely caused by rotor downwash and wind turbulence generated by the RPAAS which caused leaf fluttering. This improved spray deposition may help increase the efficacy of contact herbicides. Test results indicated that RPAASs may be used for herbicide application in lieu of conventional backpack sprayers.

Fruit canopy positioning affects fruit calcium and potassium concentrations, disorder incidence, and fruit quality for ‘Honeycrisp’ apple

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 761-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Kalcsits ◽  
James Mattheis ◽  
Luca Giordani ◽  
Michelle Reid ◽  
Katie Mullin
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Apple Orchard ◽  
High Density ◽  
Nutrient Distribution ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Fruit Maturity ◽  
Canopy Position ◽  
Bitter Pit ◽  
Colour Development ◽  
Soft Scald

One advantage of high-density apple orchard systems is homogeneity in fruit maturity and quality. However, even in modern orchard systems, variation in fruit quality occurs. ‘Honeycrisp’ apple is susceptible to numerous disorders including bitter pit, soft scald, and poor colour development. Heterogeneity in fruit quality and nutrient distribution can lead to variation in fruit storability. Here, we tested the effect of within-canopy position on fruit calcium and potassium concentrations, quality, and disorder development for fruit across nine representative high-density orchards. Calcium concentrations were greater in the upper part of the canopy compared with the lower part. Potassium was more evenly distributed within the canopy. Calcium concentrations and potassium-to-calcium ratios were significantly correlated with mean bitter pit incidence, which was between 20% and 30% in the lower half of the tree and <15% in the upper half. Fruit quality was significantly affected by the position in the canopy and was not constrained to only colour, but also other quality metrics such as dry matter, size, and firmness. Additionally, the internal ethylene concentrations (IECs) of fruit in the upper canopy were approximately 50% of the IECs for fruit from the lower canopy. With an increased emphasis on uniformity and predictability of fruit for long-term storage, these results underscore the importance of understanding variation within the canopy. Even for high-density systems, significant variation in fruit quality can occur and fruit from the upper canopy has lower disorder incidence and higher fruit quality than fruit from the lower canopy.

scholarly journals Influence of canopy development in the vineyard on spray deposition from a tunnel sprayer

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Pergher ◽  
Nicola Zucchiatti
Keyword(s):  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Air Injection ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Hollow Cone ◽  
Height Range ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Canopy Development ◽  
Wall Area ◽  
Rate Adjustment

Spray deposition from a tunnel, air-assisted sprayer was analysed during the whole season, following canopy development in a vertical-shoot-positioned vineyard. Four field tests were performed using hollow-cone, turbulence nozzles between the BBCH 15 (5 leaves unfolded) and BBCH 77 (berries beginning to touch) growth stages, plus an additional test with flat-fan, air-injection nozzles at BBCH 77. The main canopy parameters were assessed, including the canopy height range (0.6 m to 1.4 m), the leaf area index (LAI; 0.15 to 1.60) and the leaf layer index (LLI; 0.69 to 2.74). Total deposition on target (leaves and bunches) increased from 14.8% to 53.9% of volume applied, and was significantly related to the LLI (R² = 0.943); the relevance of such relationship in connection with the leaf wall area model for volume rate adjustment is discussed in the paper. Losses to the ground (1.9% to 8.1% of volume applied), spray recovery rate (31.0% to 67.2%) and losses owing to evaporation of the recycled liquid (0.1% to 3.5%) were also analysed. At BBCH 77, air-injection nozzles did not improve overall deposition in comparison to hollow-cone nozzles, but increased spray recovery (from 31.0% to 36.1%) and reduced (to 0.1%) evaporation of the recycled liquid, so that they may represent an option to avoid an excessive concentration in the tank towards the end of application.

scholarly journals High-density lipoproteins for therapeutic delivery systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kannan Mutharasan ◽  
Linda Foit ◽  
C. Shad Thaxton
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
High Density ◽  
High Density Lipoproteins ◽  
Delivery Vehicle ◽  
Drug Delivery Vehicle ◽  
Therapeutic Delivery ◽  
And Function

High-density lipoproteins are a class of natural nanostructures with multiple desirable properties to model in a drug delivery vehicle. Here we review the structure and function of high-density lipoproteins, and their use as therapeutic delivery systems.

scholarly journals Achieving superior performance in thermoelectric Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3.72 by enhancing texture and inducing high-density line defects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhao Qiu ◽  
Yonggao Yan ◽  
Hongyao Xie ◽  
Tingting Luo ◽  
Fanjie Xia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Density ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Line Defects
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