Research progress on variable-rate spraying technology in orchards

Variable-rate pesticide application in orchards aims to solve the problems of low pesticide utilization rates and serious environmental pollution in traditional pesticide applications. In this article, we have reviewed the research status of the technology to point out the direction for future research. Orchard tree canopy volume detection, biomass detection, and variable-rate spraying control methods were systematically summarized and analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of different sensing techniques for detecting canopy volume and canopy biomass have been discussed. Canopy volume is mainly detected by ultrasonic sensors and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors. Canopy biomass detection can be realized by manual, ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR sensors, and other sensors. Variable-rate spraying control is in two parts: liquid flow rate regulation and air supply rate regulation. In order to determine the volume of the liquid variable-spray, the variable air supply of air-assisted sprayer has been proven to be important. Liquid flow regulation can be achieved by pipeline pressure control and nozzle flow rate control together with a series of algorithms. The direction of air supply is easy to determine, but the air speed and volume adjustment need to be controlled based on the canopy detection system. Finally, future research on variable-rate spraying technology should focus on: 1) the application of advanced sensing technology for accurate and real-time measurement of canopy volume and biomass, 2) accurate control algorithms for liquid flow rate regulation and methods for airflow regulation, and 3) design of variable-rate sprayers with both liquid and air regulations, and the establishment of different types of variable-rate models for different sprayer types. © 2020 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.