Can Fruit Growers Cut Chemical Use by 50%? | Ep. 149

Can fruit growers use fewer chemicals without compromising crop protection? Dr Peter Triloff of the Lake Constance Fruit Cooperative joins Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie to explore how orchard design, sprayer selection and airflow management influence the effectiveness of spray applications. Drawing on decades of experience in European fruit production, Dr Triloff explains why more power does not necessarily produce better results. The real objective is to distribute droplets accurately across the target canopy while limiting losses to the ground, the air and neighbouring rows. The discussion covers: •Why sprayers must be matched to individual orchards •How tree height, canopy structure and row spacing affect spray drift •The importance of correct fan selection and airflow adjustment •Why excessive airflow can reduce application efficiency •The potential to reduce chemical dose rates in slim canopies •The opportunities and limitations associated with spray drones •How better application technology can save growers money •Why spray application is far more technical than it may appear Dr Triloff believes the industry should develop the best available application technology, align pesticide registrations with improved efficiency and help growers achieve the same crop-protection results with fewer chemical inputs. This conversation was recorded at the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm\_source=lucentlands&utm\_medium=referral&utm\_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/