The Effect of Different Dripper Properties on Entomopathogenic Nematode Application in Drip Irrigation

There are many types of drippers with different flow path length, flow path shape and filtration surface. EPN delivery performance of the most commonly used four different types of drippers (in-line short path, in-line long path, in-line cylindrical and on-line button) was examined with a drip irrigation system in laboratory conditions. Under four different pressures (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 bar), EPNs were applied to 1-liter beakers with irrigation system and discharged nematodes were counted under a stereomicroscope. The effect of pressure on application and EPN mortality were also determined. The results showed that there were significant differences between the discharge ratio of EPNs from drippers. Among the four drippers, on-line button dripper sustained the highest and fastest discharge ratio. Pressure alone had no significant effect on delivering EPNs. However, it should be considered that long pressure exposure may harm EPNs. Regarding our results, different irrigation drippers have significantly different effects on EPN discharge ratio. Therefore, optimizing drip irrigation systems for EPN applications may increase their performance.