Biological effectiveness of electrostatically charged rotary atomisers. III. Trials on arable crops other than cereals, 1982

In 1982 seven trials on non‐cereal crops examined the effectiveness of electrostatically charged rotary atomisers with different crop‐pest combinations. Compared with conventional hydraulic sprays electrostatically applied sprays deposited much more chemical on potatoes, field beans, oilseed rape and peas, and gave better control of the pea and bean weevil (Sitona lineatus) on field beans, the pea moth (Cydia nigricana) and of fungal diseases of oilseed rape. However on swedes, sugar beet and Brussels sprouts deposits of pesticide were increased only on some parts of the plant. The control of mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum) on swede and Erysiphe betae on sugar beet) and of caterpillars (Pieris spp.) living within the central whorl of leaves on Brussels sprouts was not as great as when a high‐volume hydraulic sprayer was used.