Automated System for Targeted Spraying in Orchards by Using RGB Imaging

Abstract

At present fruit orchards are sprayed mainly with axial fan 'mistblower' orchard sprayers, which are known on huge spray drift, which leads to large losses of pesticides. A newel automated orchard sprayer is represented, which can deliver pesticide spray selectively with respect to the characteristics of the targets. The shape of the apple tree canopy was detected by a machine vision system using an RGB camera and appropriate image analysis. Information captured by RGB camera and processed by specific software was fed in real-time to a spraying arm, with three individually controlled sections, which adapt the pesticide spray flow to the canopy shape. The system allows variation in the liquid flow rate and volume of chemicals by means of controlled electric valves, whereby the amount of spray depends on the shape of the tree crowns.