Pacific Ag maintains an active research interest in application equipment
and field testing of new technologies. This focus involves both light
and heavy equipment engineering, design validation, as well as
quality assurance in the use of appropriate application methods in
all efficacy and environmental fate studies.
Through standardized ASTE methods, certified engineers routinely evaluate
the degree of precision of pest control applications ranging from
solid granules, ULV applications, to high volume/high speed conventional
boom sprayers. Our staff are also experienced with highly corrosive fumigant products, which exist
as gasses and must still be injected into the sub-soil at precise
rates. Our broad
experience in application technology is extremely valuable to our clientele, especially when considering that early compounds are often crude products that
require specialized care in handling and application.

The early success or failure of a pest control research program
may depend on how primitive compounds are applied. Those experienced
with product application mishaps cite several factors, such as:
-
Whether
a suspension was achieved in the mix tank.
-
If adequate coverage of
the target crop was obtained.
-
If the droplet size was optimized.
-
If
partial or complete tip plugging occurred.
-
If the pressure used
caused phytotoxicity.
These harmful effects are the result of the application
technology rather than characteristics of the product, surfactant, or formulation. Because of our experience in agricultural engineering and equipment testing, we always consider the application technology when evaluating product performance testing.