Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using A Generalized Linear Mixed Model Framework To Account For Spatial Variability In A Comparison Of Orchard Sprayer Efficacy, William J. Price, Bahman Shafii, Don Morishita

Conference on Applied Statistics in Agriculture

Uniform application of pesticides in vineyard and orchard systems can be difficult to achieve due to variability in the density and structure of the crop canopy. Depending on the equipment used and environmental conditions, applications can result in poor spray coverage, spray drift, and wasted spray which, in turn, are manifested as a combination of poor pesticide efficacy, economic losses and potential environmental problems for the grower. A study was therefore designed and carried out to test new sprayer equipment aimed at addressing these issues. Statistically, the study presented a unique replicated three dimensional spatial design which captured response variability …