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Plant function and evolutionary biology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Spray deposition on plant surfaces: a modelling approach

Gary Dorr A E , Jim Hanan B , Steve Adkins C , Andrew Hewitt A , Chris O’Donnell A C and Barry Noller D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The University of Queensland, Centre for Pesticide Application and Safety, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia.

B The University of Queensland, Centre for Biological Information Technology, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

C The University of Queensland, Tropical and Subtropical Weeds Research Unit, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

D The University of Queensland, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: g.dorr@uq.edu.au

This paper originates from a presentation at the 5th International Workshop on Functional–Structural Plant Models, Napier, New Zealand, November 2007.

Functional Plant Biology 35(10) 988-996 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP08056
Submitted: 7 March 2008  Accepted: 9 September 2008   Published: 11 November 2008

Abstract

For pesticides to effectively manage pests, they must first be deposited on the target (typically a plant surface) in a manner in which the active ingredient(s) can be readily taken up by the target organism. A plant architectural model that enables the location of various plant components in 3-D space combined with a particle trajectory model has been used to study the interception of spray droplets by various vegetative elements. Results from the simulation are compared with wind tunnel studies of glyphosate deposition on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. var. Sicala), sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) and wild oats (Avena ludoviciana Durieu). An air induction flat fan nozzle (AI110015 at 500 kPa pressure) and an extended range flat fan nozzle (XR11002 at 280 kPa pressure) were predicted to have similar glyphosate deposition on cotton and sow thistle plants, whereas the extended range nozzle resulted in higher deposit on wild oats. Spray deposition (µg cm−2) on wild oat plants at the 5-leaf stage was more than double the amount of deposition on sow thistle or wild oat plants at the 2-leaf stage. The model was in good agreement with the experimental data except that it tended to over predict deposition on sow thistle plants.

Additional keywords: application, L-system, pesticide, retention, simulation.


Acknowledgements

This project is funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage project with assistance from Bayer CropScience, Syngenta Crop Protection, Nufarm Australia and Queensland Health Scientific Services. Queensland Health and Scientific Services provided the glyphosate residue analysis.


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