Rethinking Spray Applications in Orchards

What We’ve Learned from Seeing More Clearly

Across Europe, from the apple orchards of Switzerland to the almond groves of Spain, growers share a common challenge: ensuring that crop protection products are applied efficiently and responsibly. Each season brings new pressure to reduce inputs, minimize drift, and deliver consistent results, especially in an era where every decision is scrutinized for both cost and sustainability.

Yet for all the precision in modern agriculture, spray application remains something of a blind spot.

IS IT REALLY REACHING THE LEAF? IS IT COVERING THE CROP AS INTENDED?

Traditionally, growers have relied on water-sensitive paper or trial-and-error adjustments. These methods offer a glimpse, but not the full picture, specifically where it is needed most: on real plant surfaces in the variable conditions of orchards and vineyards.

That’s changing.

Recent trials conducted by institutions like Strickhof in Switzerland have begun using a DROPSIGHT, an award-winning spray analysis tool developed in South Africa and now tested across the globe. This system uses a harmless tracer to visualize deposition directly on the natural leaf surface, no chemicals involved, and results are available within the hour via a smartphone app.

In trials with tall, narrow fruit trees, a common setup in Central and Southern Europe, researchers saw just how difficult it is to reach the upper canopy with conventional equipment. Even with drift-reducing nozzles and cross-flow attachments, full coverage wasn’t guaranteed. DROPSIGHT allowed them to adjust in real time, improving spray efficiency before any product even entered the tank.

For those interested in the details:

This Strickhof article (in German) offers an in-depth look at practical trials. Another technical piece is also available here (in German, subscription required).

BETTER INSIGHT LEADS TO BETTER CALIBRATION, BETTER COVERAGE, AND FEWER SURPRISES COME HARVEST.

This isn’t just about saving money or hitting regulations. It’s about confidence, knowing your protection is working where it needs to. For many growers, especially in the face of tightening environmental standards, that insight is invaluable.

DROPSIGHT will also be on display at ECPA 2025 in Barcelona, where visitors can see the system in action and talk to experts from PESSL Instruments about adapting it to their farms. Join us on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and see how this game-changing tech can fit into your spray strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is DROPSIGHT and how does it work?

DROPSIGHT is a spray deposition measurement tool that uses a special tracer to visualize how much spray lands on actual crop leaves. After application, results are analyzed using a smartphone app and provided in under an hour.

2. Can I use it before spraying chemicals?

Exactly. The idea is to adjust spray settings before adding any chemical to the tank, minimizing waste and risk.

3. Is this only for researchers or large farms?

Not at all. It’s designed to be practical for commercial growers. The app-based interface and quick turnaround make it usable even for small to mid-sized farms.