Minimizing worker-exposure during chemical spray by the table-shaped persimmon cultivation method

Abstract

We compared the chemical (fungicide; azoxystrobin) exposure while spraying persimmon trees pruned in the shape of a table (table-shaped method) with that while spraying trees pruned in the typical standing-tree shape. Exposure was evaluated using 9 patches attached to the body of each of 4 test subjects. Furthermore, we measured the vertical range of spraying which affects the amount of exposure, to estimate primary contamination, and the frequency of contact with branches or leaves to estimate secondary contamination. The results showed that the table-shaped method was useful in reducing primary and secondary contamination and reduced the level of chemical exposure. © Pesticide Science Society of Japan