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.