Bloom Sprays: Spray Rig Strategy

Spraying trees during bloom and in the early spring is different than spraying in the summer. This is due to the reduced canopy which allows easier movement of the droplets. Rig speed, therefore, can be increased to help cover the orchard more quickly. Speeds from 3-3.5 mph (4.5-5.5 km/hr) are more common during this period. This contrasts with hull-split sprays which are typically done between 2.0-2.5 mph (3.2-4 km/hr). Many operations have considered every-other-row spray applications during bloom. Although not ideal, this strategy works reasonably well in lower density, small canopied, or young orchards. As the trees increase in size, however, the amount of wood within the canopy increases. This reduces the distribution of spray droplets through the tree, reducing protection on the unsprayed side. Spray rig speed must be moderate (~2.75-3.00 mph) and volume should be high (80-110 gpa, 750-1000 liters/ha) if using this strategy to improve canopy penetration by the droplet. I use this strategy for younger blocks when rain risk is high but uncertain– a spray is made to “side A”, with a follow-up spray made 7 days later to “side B.”  I typically follow up these two “half sprays” with a full spray using a different fungicide chemistry 7 days after the completion of the “B-side.” I only use this strategy for years 3 and 4 (up to 40% canopy coverage). In densely planted orchards, rig speed should be reduced (Figure 1). Increased tree density increases the amount of wood that blocks the distribution of droplets. To compensate, slower speeds must be utilized to improve air displacement and droplet movement. This would also be needed in orchards that have tall trees and have a lot of vertical wood growth. Every-other-row spraying should not be considered in these orchards due to the lack of coverage on the

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End of Year Expense Considerations

At this time of the year, many farmers are looking through the books and realizing the financial return of their orchard operations. With a profit, money can be spent on orchard improvements and equipment, which often have tax saving benefits.  In the case of a negative return, operations should be reviewed and a strategy should be developed and implemented to make the orchard profitable. Regardless of returns, the following should be considered to help make orchard operations run more efficiently for next (and future) seasons.

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