Aerial Electrostatic Spray System Performance

Production models of a USDAdeveloped aerial electrostatic spray application system are currently beingmarketed in the US and abroad. Spray deposit and insect mortality studies conducted on cotton with the USDA prototype aresummarized. Spray deposits with the electrostatic system were higher than with conventional aerial application systems. Theincreased deposits with the electrostatic system did not always produce improved insect control. Generally, the aerialelectrostatic system with a spray rate of 9.4 L/ha provided similar insect control in these studies as conventional aerial spraysystems with spray rates of 46.8 L/ha or aerial ULV spray systems with spray rates of 1 L/ha. Lower spray rates contributeto improved operational efficiencies for aerial applicators.