Throughout winter and early spring, a series of spray operator training days, workshops and Orchard Skill Up events across Hawke's Bay, Tasman, Gisborne and Canterbury brought research into practical orchard settings.
The focus was simple: help growers and spray teams improve spray coverage, increase efficacy and better match applications to canopies.
Turning Science into Practical Action
While spray optimisation research highlighted just how much influence sprayer setup, calibration and operator practices can have on spray performance, ensuring these lessons reached the orchard was critical.
"The best research means very little unless the people doing the job know about it," says NZAPI Extension Lead Anna Lambourne.
"Spraying is a key role on the orchard. It relies on people at all levels within the business working together to get the best outcome. From owners to mechanics, calibrators to technical advisors, spraying is a team sport and extending new messages is critical to ensure we are all working together and heading in the same direction."
The extension programme focused on translating technical findings into practical tools and advice that spray teams could use immediately.
"Ensuring everyone is on the same page and pointing in the same direction is the first important step," says Lambourne. "From there, it's about making sure the right information reaches the right people at the right time and highlighting the benefits of doing something differently."
Hands-On Learning Across the Regions
In August, Hawke's Bay and Tasman hosted dedicated Sprayer Operator Training programmes aimed specifically for the people carrying out spray applications.
In Hawke's Bay, the focus was on making spray days more efficient and effective. Sessions covered fill-point efficiency, tank mixing, day-to-day spray optimisation, common spraying mistakes and understanding the pests and diseases being targeted.
Tasman workshops concentrated on maximising sprayer performance and spray efficacy, with practical training covering spray calibration, sprayer maintenance, safe mixing procedures, pest and disease management and effective coverage monitoring.
Orchard Skill Up events in Gisborne and Canterbury adapted the programme to local growing conditions and seasonal pressures.
Gisborne sessions explored region-specific challenges, while reinforcing the importance of spray timing and new application practices.
Across every region, the same themes emerged: improving application quality and the value of good spray systems and processes.
Building Better Habits
Researcher David Manktelow says growers don't necessarily need major equipment upgrades to improve outcomes.
"There is no doubt that using simple feedback loops, like water-sensitive paper coverage tests ahead of critical sprays and growth stages, can provide significant improvements in spraying outcomes and potentially lower chemical inputs."
What’s more, the programme reinforced the importance of viewing sprays as one component of a broader pest and disease management strategy, he says.
Strong Grower Engagement
The response from growers and spray operators has been overwhelmingly positive.
"Growers are always thirsty for knowledge and keen to hear new information that is relevant and adds value to their business," says Lambourne.
"Allowing everyone from the owner to the spray operator to be part of the learning is really important. Having discussions with the wider team, talking about their situation and their equipment, is incredibly valuable."
