Delivering Improved Greenhouse Application Technology
April 16, 2023 
The small particle size in fog allows it to drift into small spaces that spray systems may not reach. Photo: Koolfog
For some greenhouse growers, the phrase “many tools in the toolbox” often refers to the materials and solutions they have available to manage pests in their facilities. However, this could equally apply to the systems they’re using to control these pests.
“We don’t think there is one perfect system of spray equipment for the greenhouse, and there are many reasons a grower may choose one type of technology versus another,” says Kurt Becker, Executive Vice President of Dramm Corp. “These reasons can include anything from the crop you’re growing to the layout of your greenhouse.”
One of the advantages that fogging machines offer is the ability to do more with less resources, including water and labor. However, it’s important to remember that there are different types of fogging systems as well.
“When a grower tells us they want to start fogging in their greenhouse, the first thing we do is ask them about their greenhouse. How are they growing, what are they growing, and what are they trying to accomplish?” Becker says. “It generally comes down to the logistics within their facility.”
Bryan Roe, President of Koolfog, says the desired particle size plays a key role.
“Fog has such a small particle size, it’s able to drift around a room and get into areas that other spray systems can’t,” Roe says. “If you have a really dense canopy and larger particles are coming across, they may fall on the upper portions of the canopy, but may not penetrate the lower canopy. This is where fog has an advantage.”
Variations in Fogging Systems
Becker notes the differences between an automatic fogger and a technology like Dramm’s pulse fogger, and how they might play into a grower’s decision.
“An automatic fogger is easier to set up. You can just put it in place, set a timer, and leave,” Becker says. “But your seasonal needs are going to be different, and you may lose the ability to enter the greenhouse during peak periods.”
He says if you’re growing multiple crops in the same facility, the choice in fogger system will determine how far the droplets will travel and how long they will linger.
“I can’t spray a bench or a corner of the greenhouse with an ultra-low volume fogger because the droplets are meant to hang for three to four hours,” Becker says. “It’s hard to contain them and make them go where I want, whereas a cold fogger with its targeted low volume can help you aim at a specific area.”
Evolving Views on Application
Roe says much of the innovation taking place in application systems is not necessarily in the technology, but in fine-tuning your approach to control volume and water use.
“For many growers, it’s about knowing how all the factors within the greenhouse environment, such as pH, temperature, and humidity, will help you decide when it’s necessary to vary the duration of your application,” Roe says. “Where can I reduce time and labor, while maintaining or even improving spray coverage?”
At Dramm, Becker says the company is focused on how air atomization can change droplet sizes based on grower needs, as well as how electrostatic spraying and foam can be improved.
“We see foam as a good tool for the application of herbicides in or around the greenhouse,” Becker says. “It’s not volatile, and it’s a visible indicator of where you’ve sprayed.”
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