Design of variable rate spraying system for efficient pecticide application in vineyards

Vineyards have an important role in Turkish economy. According to 2013 FAO statistics, Turkey keeps the 6th place in the world in vineyard production and first place in raisin production. Turkey's share in total world exports around 40%. Economical value of grape export was higher than 500 million Dollars for Turkey. That's why returning of exported grape products because of high pesticide residue has negative influences on Turkish economy. In Ege region, particularly in and around Manisa province, various kinds of pesticides are applied up to 27 times in growing season to control disease and pests. Since high application rates are used in our country beside increase in pesticide application costs drift and its harmful effects on environment are concerned. Reasons behind the desire to reduce pesticide amounts in agriculture are; to reduce pesticide cost for farming (therefore to reduce production cost) and to reduce environmental pollution (hence to reduce harmful effects of pesticide on environment and nature). The objective of this study was; to detect vine plant canopy, to calculate canopy volume and to adjust spray amount according to the calculated canopy volume. To realize this aim, necessary modification was made on conventional air sprayers to develop a smart spraying system by using laser scanners sensor, solenoid valves, pressure regulators and electronic cards. Experiments were conducted with this developed smart sprayer on artificial vineyard plants which were produced to represent three main growth periods of vineyards. Developed smart spraying system was compared with conventional sprayer according to their spraying performances and spraying amount. As a result of the study, smart spraying system provided up to 50% less spraying amount especially in blossom period. Smart spray also provided better deposit, more coverage and less drift amount than conventional sprayer.