Precision Spray Application Technologies in Fruit Crops for Efficient and Sustainable Production

Dear Colleagues,

Precision spray application plays a crucial role in modern fruit crop production, where high-quality yields must be achieved while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the safe use of plant protection products. Traditional spray application methods in orchards and vineyards often lead to excessive pesticide use, uneven canopy coverage, and significant spray drift, resulting in economic losses and increased risks to non-target organisms.

Recent advances in precision agriculture have enabled the development of innovative spray technologies tailored to the specific characteristics of fruit crops, such as complex canopy structures and variable plant density. Sensor-based systems, variable-rate application, and smart sprayers allow for more accurate targeting of the crop canopy, improved deposition efficiency, and reduced chemical inputs. These technologies contribute directly to sustainable production systems and support the principles of Integrated Pest Management.

This Special Issue aims to present original research and review papers addressing technological, environmental, and operational aspects of precision spray application in fruit crops. Contributions focusing on novel application systems, assessment methods, decision-support tools, and sustainability evaluation are particularly welcome.

This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in precision spray application in fruit crop production aimed at improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing sustainability. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Precision spraying technologies for orchards and vineyards;
• Sensor-based and variable-rate spray application systems;
• Spray drift reduction techniques and assessment methods;
• Optimization of spray parameters (nozzles, pressure, airflow, droplet size);
• Canopy characterization and decision-support tools;
• Digital agriculture, automation and smart sprayers;
• Environmental, economic and safety aspects of pesticide application;
• Precision spraying within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies;
• Evaluation of application quality and deposition in fruit crops;
• Adaptation of spray technologies to climate change conditions.

Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Pentoś
Guest Editor

Dr. Beata Cieniawska
Guest Editor Assistant

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