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OSU, USDA teamed up to create intelligent sprayer

Ohio State University and the USDA teamed up to create an intelligent sprayer for orchards, vineyards, and nurseries that will save growers money and protect the environment.

A professor of agricultural engineering at Ohio State University says it is the first sprayer of its kind and can give a full return on investment in one year.

Erdal Ozkan says it no longer makes sense for growers to apply a fixed rate of pesticides regardless of variations.

Researchers say the laser-guided sprayer has reduced pesticide use by 50 percent and lowered spray loss by 93 percent.

The technology will also help growers save about $230 per acre by reducing overall pesticides.