On-Farm Evaluation of Nozzle Types for Peanut Pest Management Using Commercial Sprayers

ABSTRACT Growers have rapidly adopted auxin-resistant cotton and soybean technologies. In Georgia, growers who plant cotton/soybean are required to utilize nozzles that produce larger (coarser) droplets when spraying auxin herbicides minimize potential off-target movement of pesticides. Consequently, these also used in peanut (an important rotational crop with cotton) since changing between crops is uncommon for growers. However, can result reduced spray coverage which may lead less effective pest control. Therefore, seven on-farm trials were conducted commercial fields using sprayers from 2018 2020 across four different locations Georgia compare the performance air-induction (AI) very coarse ultra (VMD50 ≥ 404 microns) non-AI (conventional flat fan) medium (403≥VMD50≥236 management peanuts. For each trial, test treatments implemented large replicated strips where strip represented a nozzle type. comparison, XR XRC while TADF, TDXL, TTI, TTI60 commonly AI trials. Spray deposition data along disease ratings, weed insect control ratings collected all Peanut yield was at harvest. Results indicated produced than tests; however, varied among types. Nozzle type did not influence (weed, insect) control, or (p>0.10) any These results suggested coarser droplet low average pressure during season. Future research on evaluation needs investigate size, carrier volume, canopy penetration.