The present research aimed to develop a motorized sprayer for coffee plantations located in sloping areas or planted in a high density planting system. The equipment developed is a walk behind tractor powered by a 2.61 kW (3.5 cv) two-stroke engine, clearance of 0.60 m between two driving wheels, having a third directional wheel, equipped with spray system composed by a 40 L hopper, centrifugal pump, line filters, pressure regulator and gauge, hoses, valves and nozzles. Evaluations of the prototype were made in two field tests in São Sebastião do Paraíso - MG, Brazil (2003 and 2004), applying systemic insecticides to control the coffee cicadas. The application technologies evaluated were: flat fan nozzle band application, solid stream nozzle application, continuous drench application and intermittent drench application. The walk behind tractor for spraying ground surface of coffee plantations reached the aim because it provided good chemical control of coffee cicadas. The continuous drench application was the most interesting method due to its simplicity. The prototype will present the overall work rate similar to the tractor powered equipment if equipped to spray both sides of the plant rows.
application technology; pesticide applicator; Quesada gigas
