Effect of Sprayer Type, Nozzle Selection, and Herbicide Properties on Spray Deposition and Weed Control Efficacy

Authors

• Mary Joy M. Abit, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow
• Analiza Henedina M. Ramirez, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines

Publication Date

9-1-2026

Abstract

Sprayer application efficiency is influenced by sprayer performance, nozzle characteristics, and herbicide properties, which collectively affect spray deposition and weed control. This study evaluated the effects of backpack sprayer type and nozzle configuration on spray output, droplet characteristics, spray coverage, and deposition under Philippine field conditions and compared these characteristics with weed control responses to glyphosate and glufosinate in separate field experiments. Battery-operated (BO) and hand-pumped (HP) backpack sprayers equipped with flat fan and hollow cone nozzles were evaluated. The BO sprayer provided more consistent spray output and maintained discharge rates closer to the target application volume than the HP sprayer. A significant sprayer type × nozzle configuration interaction was observed for droplet size distribution, whereas no significant interactions were detected for spray coverage or deposition. Contrary to conventional expectations, the hollow cone nozzle produced coarser droplets than the flat fan nozzle under the conditions evaluated. The flat fan nozzle provided significantly greater spray coverage (43.12%) and deposition (4.31 μL cm−2) than the hollow cone nozzle (32.47% and 1.64 μL cm−2, respectively). Weed control varied among sprayer-nozzle-herbicide combinations, ranging from 46% to 78% at 1 wk after treatment (WAT), 29% to 80% at 2 WAT, and 6% to 54% at 4 WAT. Glufosinate applied using the the BOhollow cone combination provided the higher numerical control at 1 and 2 WAT, whereas glyphosate applied using BO-flat fan provided the highest numerical control at 4 WAT. The results demonstrate that sprayer type and nozzle configuration affect spray characteristics under backpack sprayer operating conditions and provide complementary information for improving herbicide application practices under Philippine field conditions.

Recommended Citation

Abit, Mary Joy M. and Ramirez, Analiza Henedina M. (2026) "Effect of Sprayer Type, Nozzle Selection, and Herbicide Properties on Spray Deposition and Weed Control Efficacy," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 109: No. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol109/iss3/2