Sprayer calibration training – concept and performance

According to the EU directive on sustainable use of pesticides the pesticide users have to be trained on sprayer calibration. A high educative effect of trainings can only be achieved if trainees are motivated and interested in the training, and when the training is performed by the trainer with high competence and practical skills. A concept and programme of calibration training was developed, and then tested by performing the training for trainers. The event was organised in the Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland, within the Safe Use Initiative (ECPA project). The 10-hour training programme was composed so that the ratio of theory to practice was 40%/60%. The practical part was organized in a way to fully involve the trainees in calibration activities and by that let them gain skills and better understand the procedure. The programme included practical calibration of orchard sprayers by trainees divided into four 5-person teams, followed by verification of the calibration effects during field experiment using water sensitive paper, analyzing he results, and making reports in form of PPT presentations. The elements of competition between the groups made the trainees active, creative and fully involved. The training was found to be instructive and enjoyable.