Research and inspection results of handheld application techniques

The last decade, ILVO performed different studies in which different traditional handheld application techniques were tested and compared with spray boom application techniques in different types of canopy (strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, ivy). The effect of application technique, spray volume, crop architecture, operator, etc. on operator exposure and spray distribution in the canopy was considered. The first part of this presentation will summarize the results of these studies with a focus on the handheld application techniques.
ILVO is also responsible for the mandatory inspection in Flanders, Belgium. The second part of the presentation will give an overview of handheld application techniques in professional use in Belgium and the possibilities of inspecting these techniques as prescribed by the European Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides.