Novel permanently installed spray delivery system for improved pesticide application in specialty crops

The Z-system aims to develop and test the last remaining technological hurdle to thecommercialization of a Solid Set Canopy Delivery System (SSCDS) a project funded by USDASCRI grants and currently under the direction of Dr. Grieshop at Michigan State University.Implementation of an SSCDS system will have benefits in increased production increased workersafety and increased environmental safety as well as improving the adoption of protectedagriculture in a changing climate.This project will test the Z-system a component of the entire delivery system that eliminatesseveral issues with the practical implementation of the SSCDS. The team plans to take a prototypeZ-system the development of which was funded by Michigan's MTRAC program and install anarray in a field simulating a typical SSCDS installation but without the presence of an orchard.The design will be tested for durability and lifespan over use cycles reminiscent of more than fiveyears of use. It will then be left to the Michigan winter and retested for environmental durability inthe spring. Successful trials will indicate the Z-system technology is effective and practicalallowing the full SSCDS to be a commercially viable method.The adoption of the SSCDS will be a critical component of the continued proliferation of protectedagriculture as well as high-density orchards. Our design and testing of this final component is thelynchpin to potential savings (increased farmable land and other savings) in the hundreds ofmillions dollars in the United States and billions globally over the next decade.