Deposição e uniformidade de distribuição da calda de aplicação em plantas de café utilizando a pulverização eletrostática

Abstract

In the scope of the application technology of pesticides, electrostatic spraying is a system commercially available, however, little used because there is some disagreement as to the effi ciency of this system, so understanding this technology and its interactions with the plant become necessary. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the electrostatic spraying on coffee as to the deposition effi ciency and distribution uniformity of spray. We used an electrostatic sprayer, manufactured by Electrostatic Spraying Systems Co., model ESS MBP 4.0. The experiment was set on split plot design, (2x3x6), with two spraying systems (electrostatic system on and off), three parts of the plant (top, medium and bottom) and six positions of leaves collection, with four replications. As for the distribution uniformity of spray, it was observed there was more variability in the deposition when the electrostatic system remained on, with higher deposition in the outer canopy. The coeffi cients of variation for the electrostatic system on and off were 40.3 and 33.08%, respectively. The electrostatic spraying system was effective in coffee plants and increased spray deposition of 37% compared to when the electrostatic system was off.