Delphy conducted field research into the Vision Spray technique developed by Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators
Precision spraying is becoming increasingly important in fruit growing, especially now that growers are being monitored more closely on their use of crop protection products. The Vision Spray technique from Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators is one of the latest techniques that promises more targeted and efficient spraying. As part of the Interreg project ADaM&PreciLa, Delphy investigated the technique in practice to determine what Vision Spray actually delivers in orchards. The results show that the new technique is not only a good idea, but also provides measurable benefits in the field.
3D images provide a precise picture of the tree structure
Vision Spray uses LiDAR technology to build up a three-dimensional image of the tree during spraying. By taking thousands of 3D images per second, an accurate picture of the branch structure, leaf cover and open spaces in and around the crown of the fruit tree is created. This information goes directly to the spray computer, which then controls each spray nozzle separately. Spray nozzles only open where there is vegetation. LiDAR is not a new technology: it has been used for years in self-driving vehicles, forestry and drone navigation. Munckhof is now applying this proven technology in orchards to save on spraying agents.
Delphy investigated the savings in the field
Delphy conducted the research in two professional Elstar orchards: a mature plantation with a full crown and a one-year-old plantation with a much more open structure. In March, May and July, both full-field spraying and Vision Spray were used. In the full-field situation, all spray nozzles were continuously open and the same amount of spray was applied throughout the fruit tree, regardless of how much foliage or crop was present at that moment. With the Vision Spray technique, the areas of the tree with high and low foliage coverage were automatically measured and the spray nozzles opened and closed at the right moment to save spray. The spray liquid was collected under each spray nozzle, so that it was possible to measure exactly how much product was used per nozzle and per crop stage. This provided an objective picture of the product savings in both crops.
Up to 19% savings in mature orchards
In March, clear savings were immediately visible in the mature plantation. At that time, the trees were still virtually leafless, so Vision Spray kept many nozzles closed automatically and significantly less spray was used than with full-field spraying. In May, the difference seemed smaller. This was not because Vision Spray was less effective, but because the trees had grown in volume at the level of the second top cap. There were more leaves in that zone than in March, so more had to be sprayed, temporarily reducing the difference with full-field spraying. In July, the difference increased again. Due to shoot growth, the trees had become taller and an extra top cap had to be added for full-field spraying. However, there were few leaves in that part of the tree. Whereas this cap continued to spray continuously during full-field spraying, Vision Spray only switched it on occasionally. This resulted in significant additional savings during this period. Over the entire season, the savings in mature plantations ranged between 10 and 19 per cent, depending on the time of year.
Up to 40% savings in young plantations
The savings were even greater in the one-year-old plantations. The young trees had a lot of open spaces between the tree crowns and there were hardly any leaves at the top. Vision Spray therefore hardly needed to be sprayed there. A noticeable reduction was also visible at the bottom at the first spraying moment. The total savings in the young plantations amounted to 17 to 33 percent. According to Delphy, in practical situations where growers usually have all the caps open, this could even exceed 40 percent.
Cone yields show where the gains are made
The cone yield measurements show exactly where Vision Spray saves on the product. In the lower and middle zones of mature trees, the cones treated with Vision Spray yielded almost the same amount as those sprayed over the entire field; this is where most of the foliage and fruit are located. In these zones, the technique did exactly what it was supposed to do. Higher up in the tree, the difference was much greater. The second highest cup produced less than fifty percent of the full-field release and the highest cup produced an average of only two percent. The picture was similar in the young plantation: Vision Spray almost always opened the lower caps, but the caps higher up in the crop remained closed almost all the time. This smart cap control accounts for most of the savings in resources.
Leaf coverage remains good with precision spraying
Lower input costs are only beneficial if crop coverage remains good. Analyses using water-sensitive paper in mature plantations showed that there was no significant difference between Vision Spray and full-field spraying in May and July. In March, there initially appeared to be a visible difference, but this turned out to be mainly due to measurement errors and overly conservative LiDAR settings that did not yet pick up all the branches deep in the tree. This problem was solved after a software adjustment. Later tests with fluorescent powder confirmed that the crop was covered just as well, while empty spaces such as paths, wires and open areas received much less deposition.
Practical benefits for growers
All in all, the field trials paint a clear picture. Vision Spray reduces the input of resources without compromising coverage. The technology prevents waste, especially at the top of the tree, where the crop is lighter and drift is often a problem. For growers, this means less product, less drift and equivalent coverage in the areas where it matters. In addition, Vision Spray ensures peace of mind during work: the machine recognises where the tree is and where it is not, and automatically adjusts the application accordingly. Growers no longer have to switch manually between nozzle positions and get a more consistent and reliable spray pattern. The conclusion from the research is therefore clear: Vision Spray really works in practice. The technology is ready for practical use and delivers measurable savings for those who want to become more sustainable, reduce costs or take a step towards data-driven precision spraying. The latest software can also detect posts and steel wires, routing in even greater savings.
