FARM MACHINERY AND SEED TECHNOLOGY
UNIT-3
PLANT PROTECTION EQUIPMENTS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Plant protection equipment refers to tools and devices designed to uniformly
and effectively apply chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, herbicides,
and fungicides to crops, soil, or seeds. These appliances play a critical role in
preventing crop damage caused by pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring
agricultural productivity. Commonly used plant protection equipment
includes sprayers and dusters, which are essential for the treatment of
plants, soil, and seeds in both small-scale and large-scale agricultural
practices.
4.2 PLANT PROTECTION APPLIANCES
(A) SPRAYERS
Sprayers are devices used to spray chemicals in minute particle form, either
mixed with water or other solvents. They break the liquid into droplets of
effective size and distribute them uniformly over the surface. Sprayers
produce extremely fine droplets, typically less than 100 microns in size.
Sprayers that deliver droplets large enough to wet the surface efficiently are
preferred for applications. They also regulate the amount of pesticide applied,
avoiding excessive application that could be harmful or wasteful. Atomizer
This is the simplest sprayer, made of tin, plastic, or glass containers, with a
nozzle and pump operated by hand. It has a capacity of about 1 liter and is
primarily used in laboratories, plastic houses, and glass houses.
TYPES OF SPRAYERS
1. Hand Sprayer
A hand sprayer, usually made of plastic, has a
capacity of 1–2 liters and is pressurized using a
plunger pump (up to 1 bar). It is used in small
areas such as kitchen gardens, small nurseries,
and rose plants.
2. Knapsack Sprayer
This sprayer consists of a pump and
air chamber installed in a tank with
a capacity of 9–22.5 liters. The pump
handle extends over the shoulder or
under the arm, allowing
simultaneous pumping and
spraying. It is carried on the back
and used for small trees, shrubs, and
row crops.
Prepared by: Nirmal Ojha, Agriculture Instructor, Haldibari S. S Haldibari-2 Jhapa
FARM MACHINERY AND SEED TECHNOLOGY
3. Hand Compression Sprayer
This sprayer features an airtight metallic tank, air pump,
and a lance with a trigger-type shut-off valve. It is
pressurized using a hand plunger pump and has a
capacity of 2–20 liters. It is used in kitchen gardens,
nurseries, vegetable gardens, flower crops, and field crops.
4. Foot Sprayer
Also called a pedal pump sprayer, it is operated by
foot. It requires an additional container to store
spray liquid and features long delivery hoses. It is
suitable for both small- and large-scale spraying in
areas like orchards, vegetable gardens, tea
plantations, and field crops.
(B) DUSTERS
Dusters are devices used to apply pesticides in dust form. Dusting is a simple
method that requires minimal equipment, but it is less efficient than spraying
because of the lower retention of dust on plant surfaces. Dusters are
categorized based on their operation method into manually operated
dusters and power dusters.
TYPES OF DUSTER
1. Manually Operated Dusters
These dusters are operated manually and are lightweight, easy to handle, and
cost-effective. They are ideal for small-scale operations, such as nurseries,
vegetable gardens, and small field crops. Common types include:
Package Duster: A simple device used to apply a small quantity of dust.
It is suitable for localized applications, such as in nurseries and kitchen
gardens.
Plunger Duster: This duster uses a plunger mechanism to create air
pressure, which disperses the dust. It is portable and commonly used
in small gardens.
Rotary Duster: Operated using a rotating
mechanism, this duster generates airflow to
distribute the dust evenly. It is efficient for medium-
sized areas such as vegetable fields or flower beds.
Bellow Duster: A simple, hand-operated device that uses a bellows
mechanism to puff out the dust. It is particularly useful in small,
confined areas like nurseries or greenhouses.
Prepared by: Nirmal Ojha, Agriculture Instructor, Haldibari S. S Haldibari-2 Jhapa
FARM MACHINERY AND SEED TECHNOLOGY
2. Power Dusters
Power dusters are driven by engines or tractor power take-off systems and
are suitable for large-scale operations. These dusters are more efficient and
cover larger areas quickly. They are commonly used for field crops, orchards,
tea plantations, and coffee estates.
Tractor-Mounted Power Duster: Attached to a tractor, this duster is
ideal for large-scale field applications. It provides uniform coverage and
requires minimal manual effort.
Motorized Knapsack Duster: A portable duster powered by a small
motor, it is carried on the operator's back. It is effective for crops
requiring precision application, such as tea or coffee plantations.
4.3 PROPER HANDLING, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT
PROTECTION APPLIANCES
Proper handling, care, and regular maintenance of plant protection
appliances are essential to extend their lifespan and prevent environmental
contamination by pesticides. The following guidelines should be followed:
Before Use
Read the manufacturer's manual carefully and follow the instructions.
Familiarize yourself with the equipment's operation.
Keep extra washers and sprayer parts for replacements.
Check for leaks and ensure proper calibration with water.
During Use
Maintain correct air pressure in sprayers and dusters.
Use clean water.
Calibrate nozzles properly.
Avoid excessive bending of delivery tubes.
After Use
Empty and thoroughly clean the equipment.
Store equipment in a dry place, away from children.
Check for damages and repair as necessary.
Procedure for Cleaning Sprayers
1. Drain residual liquid from the tank.
2. Clean all parts with kerosene and a small brush.
3. Mix detergent with water in the tank and circulate it, then drain.
4. Use a solution of household ammonia (1 part ammonia to 49 parts
water) for thorough cleaning if no brass parts are involved. Allow the
solution to stand overnight.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and lubricate all parts before storage.
Prepared by: Nirmal Ojha, Agriculture Instructor, Haldibari S. S Haldibari-2 Jhapa
