Update On Solid Set Canopy Delivery System
November 18, 2013 
American Fruit Grower featured the solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) in the February issue of the magazine. Matthew Grieshop, an associate professor in Michigan State University (MSU)’s Organic Pest Management lab offers an update on the future of the research program in part due to the delay in passing a Farm Bill. Last year, Grieshop also offered an update in May on the status of the research.
Q: What have you learned so far?
A: The biggest lessons have been that the system does work using “off the rack” parts. At MSU, we have been getting comparable spray coverage and yields out of plots using our SSCDS and standard airblast application systems. That said the next step that needs to be taken will be to work with micro sprayer manufacturers to simplify the system and make it more grower accessible. We have also learned that a little bit of wind makes our system perform better — dead air is not optimum for good coverage.
Q: What is the status of the research?
A: We are entering our third year of research. This year is going to be very challenging because our major funding source, USDA’s Specialty Crops Research Initiative, was not active last year and based on the lack of a 2013 Farm Bill is likely to not be active this year. We have some funds remaining from our original grant, though, and have enjoyed very generous support from commodity groups.
Q: What are you hoping to accomplish with this research?
A: We are hoping to develop a revolutionary new input delivery system that will help growers manage their orchards more efficiently — both in terms of chemical use as well as labor. Our system can also be used for canopy cooling in the spring or summer: either delaying bloom or protecting fruit from sunburn. The SSCDS technology we are developing is designed to be integrated into modern super slender or tall slender spindle tree fruit systems. It leverages the horticultural efficiencies provided by these training styles. It is likely to be less suited to systems relying on “open centers” or wider canopy volumes. The end goal of SSCDS, modern high density training systems, and some of the newer harvest assist and hedging technologies are interlinked: to develop an orchard that requires minimal human labor and utilizes resources — water, sun, nutrients, pesticides, growth regulators, etc. in an optimal fashion.
Q: How long will this study continue?
A: Without a 2013 farm bill and the ability to pursue additional funding through the USDA-SCRI program we will likely be concluding major efforts this coming summer (2014). We are actively looking for additional funding sources and are planning on approaching micro sprayer manufacturers to pursue commercialization of the technology.
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