Local business brings leading-edge technology to Marlborough

Since 2020, BA Marlborough has been working with Pernod Ricard Winemakers to implement the innovative Smart Sprayer from BA Pumps & Sprayers; the first to do so in New Zealand.

The BA Smart Sprayer applies the easyto-use Smart Apply system with LiDAR sensor technology to sense and detect the canopy and assess foliage density, before adjusting each spray nozzle to ensure it only applies pesticides where required.

The result is reduced drift, reduced chemical use and less waste than conventional sprayers.

Transformation Manager for Viticulture, David Allen, has been leading the project at Pernod Ricard Winemakers.

Allen said: “We are always looking at ways we can reduce our impact and nurture our terroirs. The LiDAR-based control from Smart Apply fits well with our strategic goals so we were keen to investigate more and continue our trials of the technology.”

With more than 2,000 hectares of vineyard in New Zealand, Pernod Ricard Winemakers was the first in the country to trial the technology and now operates three sprayers with the Smart Apply system to help manage the risk of disease.

“We ran comprehensive comparison trials over the past two growing seasons to understand how the Smart Apply system compares to our existing sprayers,” Allen said.

“Over the Vintage 2023 season, field tests using the three-row sprayer showed an impressive 30-plus per cent reduction in chemical usage compared to conventional sprayers.

“Other impressive benefits included a reduction in spray drift.”

The introduction of technology can help viticulturalists operate more efficiently, while also appealing to new generations of talent by embracing innovation.

“With the Smart Apply system it’s easy to set up and operate,” he said. “The system controls the entire spraying function including turning on and off at the start and end of rows, simplifying operations and making it accessible for all to use.”

Since the project began, BA and Pernod Ricard Winemakers have worked closely to integrate feedback and learnings from the trials to create a sprayer which is suitable for New Zealand vineyards.

“We are very pleased with the results and our testing will continue to monitor the performance of the sprayers throughout their life so we can get a fuller picture of their effectiveness,” Allen said.

To find out more about the BA Smart Sprayer, talk to the BA Marlborough Team either in store on 5 Opawa Street, Blenheim, or phone 03 578 5490 or email counter@bamarlborough.co.nz

The BA Smart Sprayer applies the easy-to-use Smart Apply system with LiDAR sensor technology to sense and detect the canopy and assess foliage density, before adjusting each spray nozzle to ensure it only applies pesticides where required.