Innovative spray technique for fruit growers limits use of crop protection products

Dozens of fruit growers in Limburg were supposed to be eyewitnesses to the new, innovative spraying technology of Munckhof Fruittech Innovators from Horst aan de Maas. However, due to the measures surrounding the coronavirus, only a handful of people were able to be present at the introduction of this new machine, but that does not make the invention any less impressive.

Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators originated in 1884 as a real family business that manufactured tools for agriculture and horticulture. Later the company specialized in spraying, harvesting and filling crates for fruit growing, viticulture and olive harvesting. With support from the Province of Limburg (a 38,000 euro subsidy to stimulate sustainable agriculture), Wageningen University and fruit grower Van Herten from Grathem, Munckhof worked on the development of a new spraying technique. The starting point was to reduce the amount of pesticides currently used in fruit farming to combat diseases such as scab and mildew.

Tens of percent less

Last week, the innovative technique was introduced at Van Herten's farm. It was shown how it is possible to apply the pesticide much more precisely on the leaf of the fruit tree. This is made possible by all kinds of technical gadgets on the tractor and the sprayer, such as a wind meter and a GPS system. In this way, up to several dozen percent less crop protection products are used and less spray is released into the environment.

Han Smits of Munckhof says, "In the past you could almost see a cloud of fog when spraying. Now you can hardly see that it is being sprayed. By applying various techniques, you can apply the pesticide very specifically to the leaf of the fruit tree."

Future

The new device costs 90,000 euros. The hope is that soon more fruit growers in Limburg will apply the new spraying technique, but the company also wants to bring the technique abroad.

In addition, Munckhof has more innovative ideas for precision farming in the fruit sector. Currently, trials are being conducted with drones above the orchard to detect the trees most affected by the pear bud beetle.

Source: The Limburger