Feasibility of Aerial Spraying of Southern Pine Seed Orchards¹

Abstract

A series of aerial applications were made with a helicopter and a biplane to evaluate the feasibility of using aircraft to apply 5 gallons per acre of a water-base spray to southern pine seed orchards. Application parameters were established by a mathematical model which predicts spray coverage. Data obtained on spray deposition at the canopy top and in the tree crown provide a basis for using aircraft to apply pesticides to seed orchards. More spray deposits were found in the upper tree crown than in the lower tree crown. The helicopter achieved higher quantities of deposit in the crown than the biplane. On a percentage basis, however, spray observed at each of the 3 crown levels was comparable in both aircraft. A greater number of spray drops was observed on the slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) needles than on the Ocala sand pine (Pinus clausa var. clausa (Chapm. Ex Engelm.) Vasey ex Sarg.), suggesting that higher application rates may be required to achieve comparable coverage in densely foliated pines. Under conditions similar to these trials, i.e. aircraft tank mix, drop size, foliage, meteorology, release height, and swath width, one should expect comparable results when treating southern pine seed orchards.

EFFECTS OF INSECTICIDE USE IN A PINE SEED ORCHARD ON PESTICIDE LEVELS IN FISH1

“…Fish tissue collected in 1982Fish tissue collected in , 1983Fish tissue collected in , and 1984 were also analyzed for azinphosmethyl, although the chemical was not applied to the seed orchard either year (Tables 2, 3, and 4). As in 1981As in , fish collected in 1982As in , 1983As in , and 1984 did not contain azinphosmethyl residues. Although azinphosmethyl is an organophosphorus insecticide, and is highly toxic to fish, it is not very persistent in the aquatic environment due to hydrolysis and photodecomposition.…”

“…One of the largest seed orchard management problems is control of seed and cone insects (Ebel, et al, 1980). Uncontrolled infestations can cause seed crop losses greater than 90 percent (Barry, et aL, 1984). Because of these potential losses and the large investment made in seed pro.…”

Droplet deposition and pest control efficacy on pine trees from aerial application

“…In general, many studies have been done on biodiversity conservation, agent characteristics and biological variability (pest control effectiveness), while paying less attention to the spraying equipment performance and droplet deposition in pine forests 30,31 . With the application of various types of aircraft, aerial spraying performance assessment has become a hot topic in recent years.…”

“…28,29 In general, many studies have been done on biodiversity conservation, agent characteristics and biological variability (pest control effectiveness), while paying less attention to the spraying equipment performance and droplet deposition in pine forests. 30,31 With the application of various types of aircraft, aerial spraying performance assessment has become a hot topic in recent years. Researching the droplet distribution characteristics facilitates optimization of aerial application programs, improves operational effectiveness and explains some specific biological changes (it mainly refer to changes in pest numbers and habits after aerial application).…”

Use of gleams to predict insecticide losses from pine seed orchards

“…One of the most critical problems facing pine seed orchard managers is the control of seed and cone insects [ 11. If left uncontrolled, these insects can cause annual seed production losses exceeding 90% [2]. Heavy and frequent applications of insecticides are required to prevent seed losses.…”