Chemical control of black pod: machines
The equipment described is a cross-section of the many types that are in use throughout the cocoa-growing territories to apply fungicides to control black pod. It is again stressed that the nozzle of any machine is the vital component in obtaining the required deposit of chemical where it can give the necessary action and protection to obtain efficient and economic control of the disease. It is therefore of paramount importance that the operator is taught how to choose the correct nozzle and sprayer for his purpose and know how to use and maintain it. Hollow cone nozzles with a narrow spray angle or solid jet types are considered the most suitable in that they provide the desired coverage with the minimum amount of spray material. The initial cost of the sprayer is often a decisive factor in the final choice and the Agricultural Department of the Governments concerned should advise farmers of the types best suited for their requirements within their price range and capabilities. In some countries, sprayers are sold to farmers at subsidized prices. In some West African countries, special training coursers in spraying techniques are organized prior to the purchase of sprayers. It is well known that when a farmer buys a machine from a store or agent he does not usually receive instruction in the use of the sprayer or adequate information concerning its maintenance. It is essential that farmers be given practical instruction in the correct methods of application and the spray programme to adopt. Furthermore, servicing and the supply of spare parts is all too frequently inadequate and any intending purchaser should be assured of the immediate availability of replacement parts and necessary repairs prior to making a purchase. Simplicity of design and operation should always be borne in mind when selecting a sprayer. The strenuous and difficult conditions under which spraymen have to work is all too frequently overlooked. Intending purchasers may therefore be well advised to arrange for equipment to be loaned on trial prior to making any final decision. This may not always be possible. Therefore it is recommended that the sprayer should at least be tried out for operational case and comfort under simulated conditions using plain water. It should be operated continuously for a period of about 15 minutes in order to assess its suitability (Higgins, 1964). In conclusion, no matter how effective the fungicide or the timing of its application, it is the sprayer performance and technique of use which eventually decides the effectiveness of the control obtained. Therefore it cannot be stressed too often that the application equipment used must not only be suitable, but it is also necessary to have full understanding of its function and correct use if reproducible results are to be obtained and economic control of the disease is to be established
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Publié: |
Londres (RU) Longman
1974
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| Sujets: | THEOBROMA CACAO, PHYTOPHTHORA PALMIVORA, ENFERMEDADES FUNGOSAS, CONTROL QUIMICO, EQUIPO PARA CONTROL DE PLAGAS, TOBERAS, PULVERIZADORES, |
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