Further investigations on spray drift mitigation by means of artificial barriers in high tunnel strawberries

Strawberry cultivation under high plastic tunnel is mainly due to the possibility to protect plants and their production from atmospheric agents which can favour the development of fungal pathogens such as rot or other diseases. Even if the use of plant protection products is also necessary under tunnel, it can be considered more efficient and environmentally safe because of the washout avoidance ensured by the plastic cover. Another issue to consider when spraying high tunnel strawberries is how it is also possible to manage in the proper way spray drift if the machinery used to apply PPPs is a cannon sprayer because of the high drift potential shown by this equipment. In the reported work experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of an anti-insect net on drift mitigation and to compare leaf deposits. The complete closure of the tunnel exit was also tested in the comparative trials. The anti-insect net hallowed a ground sediment reduction of about 50% compared to the open tunnel configuration. By the full closure of the front openings, an almost complete reduction of spray drift towards the pesticide sensitive area seems possible. No clear conclusions can be drawn about the effect of shielding systems for deposit formation on vegetation