Engineering methods to improve pesticide application and reduce environmental pollution

2006 Impact statement
  • Landers, Andrew J

abstract

We have striven to take the mystique out of engineering science and show our clients how they can adopt interesting techniques to improve their pesticide application methods. We have shown how to reduce pesticides in apples and grapes by 30 percent and how to penetrate thatch in turfgrass and get better anthracnose control. We have shown all airblast sprayer operators how to target their sprayers properly to avoid drift onto neighboring properties. We have instructed all new employees of Cornell University who will apply pesticides.

submitted by

issue being addressed

The general public is very concerned about pesticides on food. There is particular concern about the carcinogenic effect of pesticides. Health scares and negative media coverage add to these concerns. Farmers/growers are concerned because of the costs of the pesticides, the poor targeting of pesticides, the threat of increasing legislation regarding environmental pollution and operator contamination, and the residues of pesticide in the food supply chain. Legislators are concerned, as they need to protect food, the environment, and the workplace.

response

The pesticide application technology group at Cornell has developed novel spraying techniques to show farmers, growers, sprayer operators, and gardeners how to improve the deposition of pesticides (organic and chemical) and reduce off-target drift. Techniques include correct nozzle selection, airflow reduction, and deflectors. Most novel systems we have devised are inexpensive additions to the application machine. We have also conducted field demonstrations of those machines and of new techniques developed by manufacturers and conducted teaching seminars via conferences, workshops, and field demonstrations on good spraying practices.

impact assessment

We have created new jobs for sprayer manufacturers because we have raised the profile of safer spraying within sustainable agriculture within the grower community. Farmers across the United States have benefited from our research and extension. Society has benefited because growers are now reducing spray drift, leading to a healthier environment. Growers are able to reduce their costs by up to 20 percent ($100/acre in fruits) by focusing their spray correctly.

topic description

Reducing pesticide use via engineering means

funding source description

  • Commercial companies such as
  • AgroFresh, Albuz and FGI

key personnel

  • A Shelton (Entomology)
  • A Agnelo (Entomology)
  • H Reissig (Entomology)
  • W Wilcox (Pathology)
  • T Robinson (Hort science)
  • Charlotte Coffman (Human Ecology)
  • Tim Weigle (IPM)
  • tim Martinson (CCE)
  • Debbie Breth (CCE)
  • kevin Iungerman (CCE)

department, unit, division

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on June 21, 2007