A NEW app aimed at helping sprayer operators select the most appropriate application techniques, has been launched by Syngenta.

The easy-to-use app links to live local weather data to analyse factors that influence accurate application and potential risk of spray drift, including wind, rain or frost. It can then suggest techniques to enable operators to mitigate risks, or alter practices.

Demonstrating a new beta-test update of Spray Assist at LAMMA, at the NEC in Birmingham, this week, Syngenta's application specialist, Scott Cockburn, highlighted the potential for digital technology to provide up-to-date decision-making.

“Syngenta application trials research has shown the potential for even small tweaks in sprayer set-up and operation to make significant differences in results achieved, including grass weed control and fungicide treatments," he said.

“Sprayer operators also play a huge role in managing the potential risk of spray drift, to ensure sprays hit the intended target and give the best performance. Spray Assist will further help them make better informed decisions and tailor their application techniques to optimise results.”

Users can enter plans for cropping, locations, and product use and application timings. Personalising the data with the farm’s application equipment enables advanced algorithms to provide guidance on the most appropriate available sprayer set-up in any selected situation, for forecasted weather.

Operators can also customise weather condition risks to prioritise factors, such as humidity, temperature, rain or wind. By selecting a proposed spray time up to four days in advance, the app will indicate if conditions are likely to be OK to spray; if spraying should be undertaken (possibly with suggested mitigating measures); or if the application is not advisable.

The app is free to download now as a beta-test version from the App Store or Google Play. Registered users will receive free updates as they are developed and released.