Sprayer Type and Water Volume Influence Spatial Patterns of Pesticide Deposition and Control of Diseases and Insect Pests of Highbush Blueberries

Abstract

In highbush blueberries, Vaccinium corymbosum L., three sprayers and two water spray volumes were compared for spray coverage and control of key insect pests and diseases. For evaluation of coverage in 2007, sprayers applied kaolin clay to bushes and percent surface area of black cards covered by kaolin was analyzed. In 2008, bushes were sprayed with methoxyfenozide and captan, and the material deposited on leaves or fruit was measured with HPLC or MS. In general, coverage varied significantly when an airblast, tower or cannon sprayer was utilized, and significant variation in pest and disease control was observed between water volumes.