Efficiency of reduced volume spraying aimed to control the Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: lyonetiidae)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the application efficiency with reduced volume from the prototype of a pneumatic spray nozzles aimed to control the coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella). We evaluated different types of pneumatic nozzles (flat fan, cone jet, AT-1000 model and effervescent), on application of insecticide spray liquids with concentrations of 5, 10, 15 and 20% (v/v) of mineral oil applied in reduced volume and 0.5% applied by conventional airblast sprayer. The application technology parameters studied in laboratory and field conditions were as follows: droplet size (µm), tracer deposit (µg/cm²) and leaf spray coverage (%). The reduced volume application, provided by the prototype of a pneumatic spray nozzles with the effervescent type compared to traditional airblast sprayer, presents proper conditions of use, especially in relation to deposit and coverage of spraying liquid over coffee leaves.

Keywords

• coffea arabica
• application technology
• volume reduction
• droplets