Development and validation of tools for smart spraying the Piedmont region (Italy) vineyards

Excessive spray application volume and improperly adjusted fan airflow rate and direction can result in an over-sprayed target, causing undesired off-target losses. To solve this problem a vineyard smart sprayer, able to provide real-time variable rate application according to canopy characteristics and to modify in real-time the airflow pattern to match the canopy target, was developed. The smart sprayer application performance was evaluated through comparison with a traditional airblast sprayer for the effect on canopy spray deposit and off-target losses. The canopy deposit was measured by means of filter papers stapled on vine leaves, meanwhile the airborne spray losses were measured in-field i) above canopy and ii) within canopy gap by using 8 m long vertical Polyethene lines. The smart sprayer was effective in reducing in field airborne losses by 90% and by 87% for above the canopies and within the canopy gap measurements, respectively. The actual canopy spray deposit reduced by 43% while the spray volume was lowered by 73%, meaning a higher efficiency of the smart sprayer in targeting the canopy.