Spray coverage and pest management efficacy of a prototype solid set canopy delivery system in high density apples

Modern apple production has evolved from trees with large spherical canopies towards a dense, narrow fruiting wall over the last four decades. However, chemical delivery methods for pest management have not kept pace, and most growers still utilize airblast sprayers optimized for large spherical canopies. We are developing solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) designed to complement fruiting wall style orchards and provide effective pest management against our main regional apple pests: Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella), Oriental Fruit Moth (Grapholita molesta), Oblique Banded Leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), and Plum Curculio(Conotrachelus nenupar). Previous proof of concept research demonstated that SSCDS perform at least as well as airblast sprayers in small plots but spray coverage proved to be variable. In this study we evaluated the coverage provided by SSCDS in 1/8 ha experimental plots, comparing them to coverage from an airblast sprayer. We also evaluated insect and disease pest management provided by these two styles of pesticide application.