Power Sprayer: Definition, uses and Maintenance

Plant Protection equipments

The choice of agricultural equipment depends on its specific use and the need of a particular pest control measure.

·         The correct usage of equipment and its proper maintenance are important factors which affect the ability to place pesticides on target more economically and effectively.

·  Selecting the right agricultural sprayer for pesticide application is important for successful pest control.

The complete knowledge of pest problem is important to define the target i.e., location of the pest (on foliage, under the leaves, at root zone etc).

¨ The application techniques ideally should be target oriented so that safety to the non-targets and the environment is ensured. Therefore, proper selection of application equipment, knowledge of pest behavior and skillful dispersal methods are vital.

¨To cover the target with maximum efficiency and minimum efforts to keep the pest under control as well as minimum contamination of non-targets.

Ø  Convenient to operate

Ø  Easy to clean

Ø  Non-absorbent

Ø  Corrosion resistant  

Ø  Resistant to damage

Ø  Convenient to fill

Ø  Durable

Ø  The pesticide label

Ø  Perform proper maintenance

Ø  Use proper operation procedures

Ø  Set it up correctly

Ø  Select the right equipment

To Enhance Safety and Benefits and to Get the Most From Any Sprayer:

Ø  Ultra low volume or controlled-droplet applicators (ULV/CDA)

Ø  knapsack power sprayers

Ø  Tractor-mounted sprayer

Ø  Hand compressed sprayers

Ø  Hand sprayers and atomizers

Types of Plant Protection Equipment

Ø   Types of Spray Equipment Hand sprayer Knapsack (LOK) Battery powered

Ø  Low pressure hydraulic High pressure ULV Chemigation or injection

Ø   Granular¤Liquid (sprayers) ¤ Two basic types of application systems

Ø  Speed required to treat an area (this will depend on type of crop, stage of crop growth, and volume of spray solution to be applied).

Ø   Operating cost, and

Ø  Availability of after sales service,

Ø  Cost of equipment,

Ø  Durability of equipment,

Ø  Area requiring treatment

Ø  Availability of labor (human or animal power),

Ø   Availability of diluent (water, oil, kerosene, etc.),

Ø  Frequency of pesticide application,

Selection and use of Spraying Equipment Spraying equipment should be selected on the basis of:

Ø  Never unclog a nozzle by blowing through it.

Ø   Clean nozzles with a soft tool, not metal.

Ø  Check for nozzle clogging or pattern changes.

Ø  During Spray Applications

Ø  Do not use herbicide- designated equipment for other applications

Ø  Re-use rinse water

Ø  Check operation and repair

Ø  Switching pesticides ¤Making repairs ¤ Clean equipment before

Ø  Wipe off residues.

Ø  Flush hoses, tanks, nozzles.

After Spraying

Ø  Installing and Maintaining Equipment Once equipment has been installed: • It must be maintained regularly • Only qualified people should maintain it • Set up a maintenance schedule with your supplier or manufacturer

Care and upkeep of hand sprayer

¨ General maintenance ¨Care and Maintenance of Plant protection Equipment  &  Care and upkeep of pp equipment in transportation¨ Care and upkeep of pp equipment when taken to field ¨ Care and upkeep of pp equipment when not in use ¨ Care and upkeep of power sprayers and dusters ¨duster

The cleaning and washing of the chemical tank, discharge lines, nozzles, etc., are to be done regularly after the day's spraying work is completed otherwise the residues of chemicals used for spraying acts on the parts and causes corrosion and deterioration of materials.

Special care has to be taken for maintaining the plant protection equipment. The pesticide formulations are chemically aggressive on metals, etc.

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