The Next Generation of Cotton Defoliation Sprayer

Chemical spraying is one of the most important and frequently performed intercultural agricultural operations. It is imperative to select the appropriate spraying technology as a selection of ineffective one leads to the wastage of a considerable volume of applied chemicals to the non-target area. Many precision technologies have been developed in the past few decades, such as image processing based on real-time variable-rate chemical spraying systems, autonomous chemical sprayers using machine vision and nozzle control, and use of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. Cotton defoliation is a natural physiological process, but untimely and inadequate leaf defoliation by natural process hinders the mechanical cotton harvest. Induced defoliation is practiced by applying defoliants to address the issue with the natural process of defoliation. This paper covers spraying technologies in agriculture, cotton plants, cotton defoliation, new defoliant spraying systems, and the recent field test. The new spraying system attached to an autonomous mobile robot aims to improve the delivery of defoliant chemicals by adding a spray unit on the side of the plant. Preliminary results of the water-sensitive paper test at the field showed adequate penetration with low flow rates. This is a huge development as there is a huge potential to save on the cost of applying defoliant chemicals.