Analysis of Spray Behavior Using Different Sprayers in Citrus Groves

This paper reports the results inherent to technical performances of three different sprayers used in citrus orchards in Calabria (Southern Italy). Accordingly, quantitative and qualitative analyses of the spray were performed. Spray quantitative assessment, related to foliar deposit and losses to the ground, was based on the colorimetric method. While spray qualitative evaluation considered water-sensitive paper (WSP) image analysis. This was performed subsequently to field experimental trials, which consisted in spraying citrus orchards with a dye solution and collecting the required samples, i.e., leaves for foliar deposit, petri dishes for ground losses, and WSP for spray qualitative analysis. Statistically analyzed data showed significant differences between the assessed sprayers considering foliar deposition (Kruskal-Wallis: χ2 = 40.327, df = 2, p = 1.75e−9). In addition, some unfavorable aspects were encountered regarding ground losses and qualitative distribution when applying plant protection products with the tested sprayers.