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GR a PE GRO WI n G vine. Research trials have shown them to be the best spray drift-reducing technol- ogy currently available, reducing drift by 90% compared to airblast sprayers. Fur- thermore, in early-season sprays when vine canopy is minimal, tunnel sprayers recycle about 85% of the applied material. Tunnel sprayers have been shown to reduce the use of pesticides by about 35% when aver- aged across the entire season. Chapter 6 also contains a discussion of multi-row sprayers, their designs and per- formance. For example, research has dem- onstrated that spraying both sides of the canopy at the same time increases deposi- tion by up to 50% while improving spray uniformity distribution in the canopy and reducing the amount of spray loss to the ground. Herbicide sprayers are discussed in this chapter as well, and it concludes with a list of sprayer manufacturers and their websites. A detailed discussion of handheld and small sprayers for smaller vineyards is presented in chapter 7. As mentioned earlier, spray drift has be- come the most important issue for vineyard spraying, in part due to the increased ur- banization of traditional rural areas where vineyards are located. An entire chapter is devoted to this topic and contains a dis- cussion about the causes of drift and how to mitigate it. Some mitigation techniques are based on common sense, and some can be achieved with very inexpensive practi- cal solutions such as the "Cornell donut," which is a piece of plywood with a hole in the middle that is bolted to the intake of an airblast sprayer, reducing the airspeed of sprayer output. This chapter is followed by one that discusses safety and reducing operator contamination and exposure. Prevent poor performance Chapter 10 starts by reminding the reader of "the 6 Ps" of vineyard spraying, which are proper prior planning prevents poor performance. The reader is then taken through a comprehensive and practical planning schedule, including assessment of the pest situation, selection of the ma- terial to be sprayed, equipment to be used and its maintenance. Chapter 11 provides guidance for managing spray operations, and it makes suggestions to improve spray logistics, including some points to consider when buying a new sprayer. In the penultimate chapter, "Precision Spraying in the Vineyard," the author defines precision spraying as "applying sprays precisely to the target using human and engineering methods to ensure the ex- act amount of spray is used." The discus- sion includes targeting sprayer airflow at the canopy and the role of electronics in precision spraying such as foliage sensors, direct injection sprayers, software, smart cards and navigation systems. The final chapter puts sustainable plant protection in the context of sustainable viticulture combining the "three Es" of sustainability—economically viable, envi- ronmentally sound and socially equitable— with the "three Es" of crop protection— effectiveness, efficiency and environment. The 260 pages of "Effective Vineyard Spraying" by Dr. Andrew Landers is an es- na VIG a TIO n sential addition to the library of any grape- grower, whether small, medium or large. At $60.50 including shipping, it is affordable for most and well worth the investment. Visit effectivespraying.com for information on the book and how to order it. Dr. Cliff Ohmart is vice president of profes- sional services for SureHarvest. Previously he served as research/IPM director at the Lodi- Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. He has been writing about sustainable winegrowing issues for Wines & Vines since 1998. Contact him through edit@winesandvines.com. E X C LUS I V E WINE INSURANCE PACKAGE Compare: • Value • Expertise • Service 10% discount for Wine America members & enhanced coverages for wineries & vineyards Three decades committed to serving the insurance needs of the wine industry One on one relationship with those helping to protect your financial interests. FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE: (800) 524-4442 www.wineamerica.org/membership/insurance.htm Underwritten by: Markel Insurance Company Wines & Vines MARCH 2011 33 new