Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/744696
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER NOVEMBER 2016 43 flow for the canopy. They also can't see what's making it through to the other side of the canopy. The researchers attached a series of ultrasound sensors to the sprayer to gather information about the canopy volume and density; a sparse tree requires far less spray. The sensors act as both microphone and receiver, sending a very high frequency sound wave. When the sound hits the leaves, it bounces back to the receiver. If there's a gap in the branches or leaves, it passes through, providing details about the gaps in the canopy. These sensors also control the speed of the fan. Previous studies with a single-row sprayer have shown adequate coverage when the air leaves the fan at 7 mph, Landers said. Airblast sprayers typically shoot spray at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. Overall, adjusting the air flow to keep the spray in the canopy allows for the volume of water to be reduced from 100 gallons to just 65 gallons per acre. "That's quite an SHANNON DININNY/GOOD FRUIT GROWER Cornell researchers show how attaching a series of ultrasound sensors to a sprayer provides information about gaps in the tree canopy and, by controlling the fan, reduces air speed. Year End Sale! Landini REX Series Orchard / Vineyard Tractors • Engineered for Specialty Applications • Multiple Configurations to Choose From • Last of the Tier 3 - E•cient Perkins © Diesel Engines Limited Time Oers 0% Financing for 60 Months $3,800 Cash Discount www.LandiniNA.com Central Washington Equipment Wenatchee, WA 509-663-8187 (Jim) Vine Tech Equipment Prosser, WA 509-788-0900 (Grant) Yakima Implement Yakima, WA 509-452-5867 (Larry) 800-572-2239 (Bud) Java Farm Supply North Java, NY Batavia, NY Westfield, NY 716-326-4666 (David) Growers Equipment Center Biglerville, PA 717-677-7133 (Jim) Gillison's Variety Fabrication Traverse City, MI Hart, MI Benzonia, MI 800-392-6059 (Craig)