Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
A 50–fold increase in peach tree growth over a 98-day spraying season resulted in a 64 and 96% reduction in nigrosine dye deposit in the periphery and centre of the tree, respectively. Drift from spraying of adjacent rows made a significant contribution (18–39%) to the total chemical deposit in the tree periphery in four of six applications. Drift between rows was not a factor in centre tree deposit, except for a 38% contribution in the initial application. A variable reduced application rate of methyl parathion, calculated using a regression equation, resulted in a more uniform deposit throughout the season than a full application rate, providing comparable control of Oriental fruit moth with c. 50% less insecticide.