The Optimum Size for Insecticide Spray Droplets^1,2

Author: HIMEL, CHESTER M.

Source: Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 62, Number 4, August 1969 , pp. 919-925(7)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

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Abstract:

The optimum size for insecticide spray droplets is that size which gives maximum control of the target insect with minimum insecticide and minimum ecosystem contamination. Spray droplets found to be efficient in delivery of insecticide to the target insect are those with size range allowing them to be airborne and to be transported to the target by atmospheric transport and diffusion. Therefore, optimum-size droplets are those sizes small enough to be produced in maximum numbers for maximum coverage and large enough to have an optimum critical impingement velocity for optimum impingement on the target insect.

Field research data which trace the point of deposition of spray droplets by size in insect ecosystems have been obtained from the fluorescent particle spray droplet tracer method. Data obtained indicate that the optimum size for insecticide spray droplets is in the range of 20_µ diameter. No data were found that spray droplets larger than 100_µ diameter have any substantial probability of efficient delivery of insecticide to the target insect or to its proximate foliage (where spray residues could act by secondary foliage contact). Spray droplets of 50-100_µ diameter were marginal in efficiency.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1969-08-01

More about this publication?

Journal of Economic Entomology is published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December. The journal publishes articles on the economic significance of insects and is divided into the following sections: apiculture & social insects; arthropods in relation to plant disease; forum; insecticide resistance and resistance management; ecotoxicology; biological and microbial control; ecology and behavior; sampling and biostatistics; household and structural insects; medical entomology; molecular entomology; veterinary entomology; forest entomology; horticultural entomology; field and forage crops, and small grains; stored-product; commodity treatment and quarantine entomology; and plant resistance. In addition to research papers, Journal of Economic Entomology publishes Letters to the Editor, interpretive articles in a Forum section, Short Communications, Rapid Communications, and Book Reviews.
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