2002 Nozzle Selections: Arial vs Ground
Nozzles can be mounted on a conventional boom, at a nozzle spacing of 20". There are three nozzle configurations recommended for best head coverage. All three provide a forward and back spray to optimize wheat head coverage:
Configuration 1
Use two Turbo TeeJet nozzles (Wide Angle Flat Spray Tip TT110015-VP (Spraying Systems Co.)) at each nozzle mount. Use a nylon double swivel nozzle holder on each nozzle body to attach the two Turbo TeeJet nozzles. Face one nozzle forward, in the direction of travel, and one facing rearward. Mount each nozzle horizontally with the spray plume facing about 10 degrees downward (Figure 7). Operate the boom with the nozzles running approximately 15 cm above the wheat heads.
Configuration 2
Use two flat fan nozzles with a 110 degree spray angle which deliver 0.15 US gpm. (Such as TeeJet nozzles extended range flat spray tip XR01 110015VS (Spraying Systems Co.)) at each nozzle body. Use a nylon double swivel nozzle holder on each nozzle body to attach the two TeeJet nozzles. Face one nozzle forward, in the direction of travel, and one facing rearward. Mount nozzle near horizontally so that each spray plume tilts about 10 degrees downward. Operate the boom with the nozzles running approximately 15 cm above the wheat heads.
Configuration 3
Use one TwinJet, Twin Flat Spray Tip (TJ60-11003VS (Spraying Systems Co.)) at each nozzle mount. Spray at a 15" to 18" nozzle to target distance. This configuration is the least desirable of the three recommended because the angle of spray forward and backward is not sharp enough (Figure 7).
Spray Dye Coverage Of Wheat Heads
A number of different spray application systems were tested in applying sprays to wheat heads. A UV fluorescent dye added to the spray allowed for digital evaluation of wheat head coverage on four sides; approaching side, leaving side, left side and right side.
Cost Per Double Nozzle Assembly
The following prices were obtained from a spray nozzle dealer in 2002. The costs charged may change based on volume purchased.
- Threaded Quarter Turn Cap $3.50
- Threaded Nipple $0.50
- Nylon Double Swivel Nozzle $9.35
- Nozzle Caps 2x $1.15
- TT110015 Nozzles 2 x $6.50
- $28.65 Each
Efficacy of FOLICUR
From research, FOLICUR only has 60 - 70% efficacy against fusarium. This fact is crucial when deciding which spray application system to use.
Travel Speed For Spraying
When using the Double Flat Fan Nozzle assemblies, and to some degree TwinJets, spray deposits were somewhat reduced on the 'leaving side' of the wheat heads at higher travel speeds. This is due to the fact that droplets from the rear-facing nozzles do not have as much rearward momentum when the spray speed becomes greater than 6 MPH. Experience from Western Canada found that wind speed was more critical to "leaving-side" coverage than travel speed. Under windy conditions, even slow sprayer travel speeds failed to get coverage on water-sensitive papers on the "leaving-side" of vertical stakes.
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