title: Optimizing the application of entomopathogenic nematodes: experimental set-up.
abstract: The complex issue concerning the spray application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPNs) with a hydraulic sprayer is still not solved. This research project focuses on the effect of spray application technique on the viability and deposition of EPNs. In this paper the experimental set-up used for this evaluation is described. A modular spray application system has been developed and is currently used to evaluate the effect of different parts of a sprayer on the viability of the EPNs. Based on the results of experiments using this modular spray application system, recommendations regarding pump type, mixing system, nozzle type and filter size will be formulated. Because of the large number of experiments in this research project, an image analysis system for the determination of the viability of the nematodes is developed. This paper describes two experiments comparing the new developed image processing technique with the standard microscopic counting technique.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Scientific Institute of the Flemish Community, Technology and Food, Agricultural Engineering, Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115, BE-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. Eva.Brusselman@ilvo.vlaanderen.be
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brusselman
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Steurbaut
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sonck
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D009348:Nematoda / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013534:Survival