Automated Mobile Hot Mist Generator: A Quest for Effectiveness in Fruit Horticulture

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Precision Agriculture
• Horticulture

Background:

• Traditional plant protection methods face challenges with chemical loss and uneven coverage.
• Automated systems offer potential for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel automated mobile platform with a hot mist aerosol generator for plant protection.
• To determine the causes of chemical preparation loss during tree crown spraying.
• To establish optimal operating parameters for the automated platform and mist generator.

Main Methods:

• Field research to identify causes of chemical loss during spraying.
• Statistical analysis of experimental results, including droplet size and leaf coating density.
• Development and testing of a proprietary automated mobile platform with an aerosol generator.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal operating parameters: 3.4 km/h platform speed, 1.34 m distance to tree crown, 44.1 L/h fluid flow rate.
• Determined the effect of droplet size on leaf coating density and spray penetration into tree crowns.
• Demonstrated that the automated platform meets spraying requirements, reducing working fluid use by up to 50 times.

Conclusions:

• The developed automated mobile platform with a hot mist generator is effective for plant protection spraying.
• Optimal operational modes significantly enhance spray penetration and reduce chemical usage.
• This technology represents a novel advancement in precision agriculture for efficient crop protection.