Design and testing of an ejector‑based device for continuous Trichogramma distribution in crop protection
Abstract
Investigation of the physical-mechanical and aerodynamic properties of the eggs of the insect host of <i>Trichogramma</i> and the results of this work’s analysis showed that the use of an ejector for a <i>Trichogramma</i> settlement device is based on its aerodynamic properties during the settlement of <i>Trichogramma</i>. Therefore, the research improved the accuracy of <i>Trichogramma</i> settlement in the required amount without losses with a device in cultivated crop fields. The author developed a prototype high-pressure ejector and conducted preliminary laboratory and field tests at the Scientific Research Institute of Agricultural Mechanization. The author conducted theoretical and experimental studies to optimize the ejector's parameters. The author conducted experiments under laboratory and field conditions using standard methods. The author tested a <i>Trichogramma</i> settlement device to determine the biomaterial outlets for one minute, the settlement quality, and <i>Trichogramma</i> damage rates under laboratory conditions. The author conducted field tests of the device using a cultivator tractor in inter-rows during cotton soil tillage. Research on the physico-mechanical and aerodynamic properties related to the settlement of trichogram pupae has revealed that applying the ejector principle yields positive results. The settlement of <i>Trichogramma</i> using an enhanced device with the ejector principle, without filler, during continuous, uniform distribution across cotton fields reduces the costs and agronomic time required for entomophagous settlement and allows a continuous supply of <i>Trichogramma</i>, without settling at different stages of plant development, at the required rate of <i>Trichogramma</i> consumption.