SFF Project Summary
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Last updated: 21 September 2009
NZ Kiwifruit Journal article: Spraying contractors impressed with AI nozzles [189K PDF]
NZ Kiwifruit Journal article: Will it still work? Or, are low drift treatments going to compromise hydrogen cyanamide efficacy? [1.87M PDF]
Field studies to optimise spray deposits on shelterbelts and minimise off-target drift [3.6M PDF]
PPCNZ Report - Summary of biological efficacy tests conducted 2005-2007 as part of the evaluation of low drift spray application techniques for application of hydrogen cyanamide to kiwifruit [3.25M PDF]
Development of best practice to minimise off-target drift from hydrogen cyanamide sprays in kiwifruit orchards [93K PDF]
Field spraylab assessment [1.0M PDF]
Field spraylab studies [2.5M PDF]
Poster - reducing spray drift [963K PDF]
Seasonal characterisation of kiwifruit plant surfaces [712K PDF]
Survey gives thumbs up to air inclusion nozzles [60K] PDF
Project description
The project aims to develop new application and formulation practices to minimise the environmental impacts of all kiwifruit orchard sprays while maintaining their effectiveness.
The issue/opportunity
Spray drift from agrichemical applications is a major concern for the kiwifruit industry. Increasing intensification of land use is increasing the demand for better management of spray risks. Grower spray practices are generally effective but complaints from the public relating to health concerns, and from beekeepers relating to bee death, from off-target deposits are an on-going concern for the industry, which is committed to meeting or exceeding legislated requirements as part of a continuous improvement process.
The objectives of the project are to:
1. Introduce new technology and recommend best practices for spray application to the kiwifruit industry
2. Develop and implement comprehensive training packages for spray applicators that will improve on-target spray deposits and reduce the risk to orchard staff, neighbours, the general public, bees and the environment.
The context/background
The use of hydrogen cyanamide (HC) contributes significantly to the value of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry. Economic models (Zespri International) estimate that without the use of HC the NZ Kiwifruit industry would lose $80-200 million per year. Some growers would be affected catastrophically, in particular many of the large coastal blocks owned by Maori.
Continued use of HC is currently under review (by ERMA) and it is accepted by the industry that new technologies are urgently required to reduce off-target spray drift and improve the sustainability of HC and pesticide use on kiwifruit orchards.
Methods
The primary goal of the project is to develop and implement new technology and best practice guidelines specifically for the kiwifruit industry to substantially reduce off-target spray losses from orchards and the risk to the public. This will be achieved by:
1. In the first year completing a survey to establish the base line practices and undertaking extensive field trials. The field trials will be completed on the Hayward variety to determine how application parameters (sprayers, nozzles, air volume, water volumes, etc), and formulation additives can reduce spray drift and affect deposits on fruit and foliage.
2. In the second year further field trials will refine recommendations throughout the growing season (July- Mar) and be validated in demonstration orchard blocks.
3. The third year will focus on developing a technology and extension package, including orchard demonstrations, and implementing it across all industry players.
Latest update
During the 2008 winter, 80% of the kiwifruit grown in the Bay of Plenty and 70% nationally has had Hydrogen Cyanamide bud-break sprays applied using Air Inclusion nozzles and Drift Stop adjuvant, to minimise off-target spray drift.
The applicators have been very positive about the use of this new technology which has allowed them to apply the agrichemical with little concern of spray drift occurring.
The original information has been delivered to the majority of kiwifruit spraying contractors as part of an ongoing National Certificate in Agrichemical Application training package. Further sessions with the contractors are planned over 2009 and will include an update and review of hydrogen cyanamide application strategies for spring 2009.
The hydrogen cyanamide application Fact Sheets and related training tools used with the contractors will be made available to ZESPRI/NZKGI as scheduled in July 2009.
