Influence of micrometeorological factors on pesticide loss to the air during vine spraying: Data analysis with statistical and fuzzy inference models

Upward spray losses over vines were assessed during a typical air-assisted application using a fluorescent tracer dye and PVC lines as samplers. Linear multiple regression and fuzzy logic inference models were used to evaluate the effects of micrometeorological conditions on pesticide application for two spray qualities (fine and very fine). For the fine spray application (volume median diameter [VMD] 134 μm), the significant variables for the multiple regression were wind speed, air temperature and wet bulb temperature depression, with a coefficient of determination of 0.70. For the very fine spray application (VMD 65 μm), atmospheric stability was also significant, with a coefficient of determination of 0.82. Spray losses were also predicted using fuzzy inference systems, and high coefficients of determination were obtained (R2=0.72 for the fine spray and 0.66 for the very fine spray). Interpretable rules were established for the characterisation of micrometeorological parameters using the two sprays. Both analysis tools can be combined with mathematical modelling in order to evaluate air pollution and spray drift from simplified field tests.