W. Clint Hoffmann, Yubin Lan, Brad Fritz, Dan Martin, and Juan Lopez, Jr.
USDA –ARS-Aerial Application Technology Group

The USDA-ARS-Aerial Application Technology research group is responsible for conducting application research that addresses immediate needs within the application community, as well as, planning and conducting research projects that address future issues and regulations that may impact the aerial application industry.  Research projects, such as wind tunnel and field trials with active ingredients and spray adjuvants, will be discussed.  Future research projects, such as drift reduction technologies, remote sensing, variable-rate technologies and changing cropping production and protection systems, will also be discussed.
Additionally, the new Smartphone apps that have been released on the Apple and Android app stores will be presented.  These apps are a mobile solution that allows aerial applicators to predict the droplet size produced by their particular operational setup in the field independent of a computer or internet connection.  The droplet size data allows applicators to ensure that they are compliant with any product label requirements. The results, along with the initial operational parameters, are time and date stamped and can be saved to the user’s device and/or emailed.