Spotlight on manual spraying equipment

Fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides and other pesticides come in three common forms: Powder, liquid and granules. The distribution of these different formats requires equipment that will deliver the chemical in the correct doses to only where it is needed. Poorly designed or incorrect equipment will result in under or over-dosing or in the delivery of products to the wrong areas. This is not only wasteful; it can also result in damage to the surrounding environment.

When buying manual spraying equipment, look for quality products aimed at the professional user which aid the most accurate and consistent distribution of whatever format of product you are using, and which are robust and tough in design.

Backpack sprayers and accessories

For simple liquid-spraying jobs, backpack sprayers come in a range of sizes and materials (bioplastic versions are available), and can be manually pumped or battery-powered. Advantages are that they are inexpensive, robust and that they can come with a range of clever accessories which make them multifunctional – increasing targeting accuracy and allowing precision dosing which makes the most of every drop of product.

For example, horizontal and vertical front or rear booms with four or six nozzles mean a large amount of ground can be covered relatively quickly while telescopic lances can reach up into higher foliage. A unique dosing accessory such the Guarany Dosimeter Valve can be used with any sprayer to exactly determine the amount – between 2–25ml – of product dispensed with every pull of the trigger.

Granule applicators

For the accurate distribution of granulated or powdered products, and to save your back from repeated bending, there are clever backpack and handheld granule applicators. These can be used to broadcast product over a large area or can deliver precise doses to a discrete area, e.g. the base of tree or shrub. The Guarany Granule Injector even delivers granules under the soil.

Foggers

Foggers and nebulisers can be extremely useful for the delivery of treatments into areas of dense foliage as well as for use against pathogens and pests in fruit storage areas. The Guarany Backpack Nebuliser is a motor-powered backpack which can distribute liquid, powdered or granulated product. Its very powerful air current can convey the product up to 12 metres.

ULV sprayers

For large areas of weeds, for example, ultra low volume (ULV) sprayers such Mankar ULV sprayers (available in a regular and wheeled version) are worth considering. These are a sophisticated version of controlled droplet application (CDA) sprayers and enable neat product to be used.

What this means is that you can use between 50% and 80% less actual active ingredient per area and still get the same weed killing power. In addition, the huge reduction in overall spray volume and the elimination of fine droplets means that operator contamination is reduced to negligible levels when compared to conventional sprayers.

About our experts

The Professional Sprayers People (PSP) say they are experts in manual spraying equipment that helps growers get the most from every drop of agrochemical or biocontrol. While spraying and fogging disinfectants, detergents, biocontrols and agrochemicals may be necessary, PSP’s products aim to minimise excessive usage with clever, thoughtful designs and a range of innovative accessories.

The PSP team has considerable experience in advising companies and individuals on the best spraying options for their needs and is always looking for new, innovative products that help customers meet their specific spraying objectives. The company has developed niche kits such as the Nematode Spraying Kit for delivering nematode solutions and is currently trialling a safe and approved method of keeping deer out of orchards and vineyards.

PSP’s director Malcolm Mullender is always pleased to answer questions, offer advice and suggestions.

For more information call 01273 400092, email malcolm@prosprayers.co.uk or visit the Pro Sprayers website

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