Apple spraying – notes and presentation

November 2014 | David Manktelow, freshLearn Ltd | Future Orchards® Orchard Walk notes and presentation

David Manktelow explains how to make orchard spraying both effective and efficient by matching spray liquid and air output to the canopy being treated. The key objective is to maximise work rate without compromising target penetration, coverage or chemical dose.

The notes set out four practical rules: direct spray toward the target canopy; adjust application rate to the size and density of the target; match air output, travel speed and conditions so spray penetrates the canopy; and verify that the required coverage is actually being achieved. Calibration, maintenance and in-season checks are essential because poor application is often only discovered after a control failure.

Manktelow recommends simple tools such as water-sensitive paper and stresses that sprayer setup should change as the canopy changes. The resource also discusses droplet size, travel speed, air output and row-length based calibration. The result is a practical framework for improving coverage while reducing drift, wasted spray and unnecessary operating time.