Survey of Pacific Northwest Grapegrowers on Their Use, Choice, and Understanding of Vineyard Canopy Sprayers

Abstract

Background and goals Agricultural sprayers are a part of most vineyard production systems. When developing Extension educational tools on sprayer use and optimization, and for pest management and drift mitigation, we often assume end users have a solid understanding of the machines they are operating. But is this a good assumption? Methods and key findings We conducted a survey of Pacific Northwest grapegrowers to better understand how they choose and use agricultural sprayers. We found that 39.4% of respondents calibrate their sprayers annually. Of those, 42.4% calibrate their sprayers at least twice a season in response to canopy development. Disc-core nozzles were the most common nozzle type used (41.7%), followed by one-piecenozzles (33. 3%) and air induction nozzles (22. 2%). Survey responses indicated a need for more information on a broader range of sprayer types, including multi-axial fan and pneumatic spray technologies. Respondents also indicated a desire for more information on application rate controllers. Conclusions and significance The survey revealed that: 1) new industry members are using diverse spray technologies; 2) all operations, regardless of size, could benefit from additional information on sprayer calibration and nozzle selection; and 3) there is interest in learning more about rate controllers and new technologies. This survey provided baseline information on agricultural sprayer use for consultants, extension and outreach specialists, and government agencies to identify spray application knowledge gaps that can be targeted for additional education efforts.