Target detection as a tool of selective spray application on trees and weeds in orchards

Grzegorz Doruchowski; Peter Jaeken; Ryszard Holownicki

doi:10.1117/12.336892

14 January 1999 Target detection as a tool of selective spray application on trees and weeds in orchards

Grzegorz Doruchowski, Peter Jaeken, Ryszard Holownicki

Proceedings Volume 3543, Precision Agriculture and Biological Quality; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336892
Event: Photonics East (ISAM, VVDC, IEMB), 1998, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A spectral detection system discriminating the targets for the non target area was tested during spray applications in apple and pear orchards. The objective of the test was to evaluate the accuracy of the system working at different application parameters and to estimate the rate of possible spray savings obtained during applications on the trees of different size and weeds of different density. The system consisted of the spray units equipped with optic sensor and a control unit which could operate up to 16 spray units. Each spray unit had an optic detector and two light sources emitting two beams of light at the wavelengths 670 and 750. The ratio between emitted and reflected light for each wavelength was the basis for discriminating between the presence or the absence of chlorophyll. The information was processed and used to control the electric solenoid valves opening or shutting off the nozzles. The target detection system worked technically properly. It enabled the selective spray application with spray savings adequate to the tree row profile. In intensive apple and pear orchards 16-25 percent reduction of spray volume was obtained. For herbicide applications the detection system discriminated weeds for the bare ground. Both sensitivity of the sensors and weed density had a significant influence on the spray savings. At medium sensitivity, a considerable spray saving amounting 23 percent was obtained only on the plots with very low weed coverage.

Citation Download Citation

Grzegorz Doruchowski, Peter Jaeken, and Ryszard Holownicki "Target detection as a tool of selective spray application on trees and weeds in orchards", Proc. SPIE 3543, Precision Agriculture and Biological Quality, (14 January 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.336892

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