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A Review on the Evolution of Air-Assisted Spraying in Orchards and the Associated Leaf Motion During Spraying

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  • Guanqun Wang

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Ziyu Li

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Weidong Jia

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Mingxiong Ou

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Xiang Dong

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

  • Zhengji Zhang

    (School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China)

Abstract

Air-assisted spraying is vital in modern orchard pest management by enhancing droplet penetration and coverage on complex canopies. However, the interaction between airflow, droplets, and flexible foliage remains unclear, limiting spray efficiency and environmental sustainability. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding leaf motion dynamics in wind and droplet fields and their impact on pesticide deposition. First, we review orchard spraying technologies, focusing on air-assisted systems and their contribution to more uniform coverage. Next, we analyze mechanisms of droplet deposition within canopies, highlighting how wind characteristics, droplet size, and canopy structure influence pesticide distribution. Special attention is given to leaf aerodynamic responses, including bending, vibration, and transient deformation induced by wind and droplet impacts. Experimental and simulation studies reveal how leaf motion affects droplet retention, spreading, and secondary splashing. The limitations of static boundary models in deposition simulations are discussed, along with the potential of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models. Future directions include integrated leaf-droplet experiments, intelligent airflow control, and incorporating plant biomechanics into precision spraying. Understanding leaf motion in spray environments is key to enhancing orchard spraying efficiency, precision, and sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Guanqun Wang & Ziyu Li & Weidong Jia & Mingxiong Ou & Xiang Dong & Zhengji Zhang, 2025. "A Review on the Evolution of Air-Assisted Spraying in Orchards and the Associated Leaf Motion During Spraying," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:9:p:964-:d:1645564
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weidong Zhu & Jun Sun & Simin Wang & Jifeng Shen & Kaifeng Yang & Xin Zhou, 2022. "Identifying Field Crop Diseases Using Transformer-Embedded Convolutional Neural Network," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-19, July.
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    3. Yongguang Hu & Yongkang Chen & Wuzhe Wei & Zhiyuan Hu & Pingping Li, 2021. "Optimization Design of Spray Cooling Fan Based on CFD Simulation and Field Experiment for Horticultural Crops," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Xin Ji & Aichen Wang & Xinhua Wei, 2021. "Precision Control of Spraying Quantity Based on Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control Method," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-17, August.
    5. Guanqun Wang & Xiang Dong & Weidong Jia & Mingxiong Ou & Pengpeng Yu & Minmin Wu & Zhi Zhang & Xinkang Hu & Yourui Huang & Fengxiang Lu, 2024. "Influence of Wind Speed on the Motion Characteristics of Peach Leaves ( Prunus persica )," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-12, December.
    6. Grianggai Samseemoung & Peeyush Soni & Pimsiri Suwan, 2017. "Development of a Variable Rate Chemical Sprayer for Monitoring Diseases and Pests Infestation in Coconut Plantations," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 7(10), pages 1-13, October.
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