Pesticide Application Methods

by G. A. Matthews, Roy Bateman

Overview

The definitive guide to modern pesticide application methods for effective and sustainable crop protection

As precision agriculture continues to evolve, Pesticide Application Methods serves as an essential reference for professionals in crop protection. With comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of pesticide application technologies, this leading guide covers the foundational principles of pesticide application whilst delving into advanced techniques that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and integrate seamlessly into sustainable agriculture practices. Drawing on decades of practical expertise, authors Graham Matthews and Roy Bateman provide a thorough grounding in both the theory and practice of pesticide application, ranging from traditional hydraulic sprayers to cutting-edge drone technology.

The fifth edition of Pesticide Application Methods offers substantial new and updated content, reflecting the latest advancements in crop protection and application technology. This edition incorporates emerging practices in regenerative agriculture, with a focus on selecting pest-resistant crop varieties to reduce chemical dependency. New coverage includes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for targeted application, electrostatic sprayers that minimise drift and enhance precision, and the integration of sustainable biopesticides and biorationals into pest management strategies. Throughout this edition, updated regulatory insights and training standards ensure that practitioners remain compliant with evolving safety protocols, including the EU “Green Deal” objectives on sustainable pesticide use.

Continuing to set the standard for professionals in crop protection, Pesticide Application Methods, Fifth Edition:

• Offers in-depth guidance on modern pesticide application techniques, with a focus on sustainable practices and precision targeting
• Contains essential information on operator training, equipment maintenance, and certification requirements for pesticide application
• Features dedicated chapters on specialised techniques such as robotic applications and aerial spraying
• Provides guidelines for maintaining and calibrating application equipment to enhance longevity and efficiency
• Includes clear and practical diagrams, photos, and colour illustrations to enhance understanding of complex equipment and techniques

Incorporating the latest research in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Pesticide Application Methods, Fifth Edition is ideal for upper-level students in agricultural sciences, crop protection, entomology, and plant pathology programmes, as well as for crop protection specialists, plant scientists, agricultural consultants, and agrochemical industry professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394262205
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	08/04/2025
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	(w) x (h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

G. A. Matthews is Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, UK. With an extensive career in pest management, Matthews began his research on insect pests of cotton in Africa from 1958 to 1972. At Imperial College, he continued his work in crop protection globally until 2001. Even in retirement, he remains actively engaged in pesticide application research.

Roy Bateman was a senior lecturer at the International Pesticide Application Research Centre, Imperial College London, UK. His work includes integrated pest management (IPM) for rice, controlled droplet application, biological locust control, and cacao disease management. Now retired from formal teaching, he continues to be involved in Southeast Asian entomology and agricultural issues.

Table of Contents

Preface to fifth edition vii

Acknowledgements ix

Conversion tables xi

Pesticide calculation xiii

Units, abbreviations and symbols xv

1 Biological and chemical control in integrated pest management 1

2 Targets for pesticide deposition and their detection using drones and robotic equipment 15

3 Formulation of pesticides and bio- pesticides 25

4 Spray droplets 39

5 Nozzles – hydraulic and pulse- width modulation 45

6 Portable carried hydraulic sprayers 63

7 Power- operated hydraulic sprayers (electric power) 71

8 Air- assisted sprayers 85

9 Controlled droplet application 93

10 Electrostatic charged sprays 119

11 Using drones to spray crops 135

12 Aerial spraying using manned aircraft and helicopters 149

13 Spray drift 161

14 Seed treatment, dust and granule application 167

15 Space treatment by fogging 171

16 Specialist application techniques using robots 177

17 Application of bio- pesticides 183

18 Equipment for laboratory and field trials 203

19 Training spray operators 209

20 Regulations related to toxicity of pesticides and labelling 215

21 Safety precautions when applying pesticides 219

22 Standards for application equipment 235

23 Maintenance of equipment 237

Index 243

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Aslib Book Guide, Nov 2001:
"Of major value to those involved in crop protection in all parts of the world, as an overview and to assist in training in the safe and efficient use of agrochemicals."