WO2023063813A1

WO2023063813A1 - Pesticides applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2023063813A1
Application number: PCT/MY2022/050082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohd Idzaruddin HASAN; Ermi JAUHARI; Ahmad Nor Halim OMAR; Ahmad Syameer AHMAD SUKRI; Hairulnizam KHALIL; Muhammad Farid ARPAH; Muhammad Na'im ROSLE; Saiful Azrul ABDUL HALIM
Original assignee: Sime Darby Plantation Intellectual Property Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2021-10-12
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2023-04-20

Abstract

The present invention provides a pesticides applicator apparatus which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the apparatus includes at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm of a first part, at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of a second part and at least one main tube (5) of a third part for discharging or spraying pesticides solution on trees.

Description

PESTICIDES APPLICATOR

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a pesticides applicator for spraying pesticides on trees. More particularly to a pesticides applicator for spraying pesticides on immature oil palm trees.

BACKGROUND

The list of prior arts or published information in this specification should not be taken as an acknowledgement that this present invention is common general knowledge or is part of the state of the art.

In the cultivation of many crops in agriculture, whether cultivated in large plantations or small farms, pests and diseases prevent normal healthy growth and cause significant reduction of yield. In many oil palm growing areas, oil palm is plagued by many pests and diseases. The pests of oil palm include insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, birds, and other animals. A simple definition of a plant disease is any abnormal condition that damages a plant and reduces its productivity I yield potential and usefulness. Diseases of oil palm affect different parts of the plants, namely, roots, stem, fronds, inflorescence, and fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Generally, oil palm diseases can be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma, nematodes, and parasitic plants. The damage of pests and diseases also affect the growth of seedlings in nursery. Therefore, the effective and efficient management of pests and diseases is very important to ensure healthy growth of oil palms at all stages and to maximize crop yield by achieving high oil yield per ha. [Source: Effect of Pests and Diseases on Oil Palm Yield, December 2012, DOI:10.1016/B978-0-9818936- 9-3.50009-5]

Many pests found on oil palms are specific pests of several species of wild palms and they became adapted to Elaeis guineensis Jacq. There are at least 80 species of arthropods that are potential pests for oil palms. Most harmful insects of oil palm are Rhynchophorus palmarum, Alurnus humeralis in America, Oryctes Rhinoceros in South East Asia, Oryctes Monoceros in West Africa. Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes Rhinoceros is a serious pest of oil palm in Malaysia. In areas of severe damage, as much as 15% of the leaf area can be lost, resulting in a yield decline of up to 25%. Damage by the beetles also provides entry points for red palm, Rhynchoporus ferruginous and other fungal pathogens that lad to bud rot disease. Psychid (Bagworm), Metisa plana outbreaks are a recurring problem problem especially in Southern Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. A moderate defoliation (10- 13%) can cause a yield decline of around 30-40% over 2 years due to decrease in rate of photosynthesis. Integrated Management Practices were developed for the bag worm in Papua New Guinea which include hand collection from young palms, removal of natural host plants from the vicinity of oil palm growing areas, maintenance of good ground cover for beneficials, precise targeting of insecticide by trunk injection and biodiversity management. [Source: Pest Problems of Oil Palm and Management Strategies for Sustainability, Directorate of Oil Palm Research, India]

Oil palm pests can be classified into insects, diseases and vertebrates. The main insect pests consist of leaf defoliators, bagworms and nettle caterpillars, the crown attacker, Rhinoceros beetle and bunch moth. Rhinoceros beetle attacks are normally serious during the immature phase of the crop. The damaged palms have an extended immaturity period. Therefore, the initial yield can be severely reduced after a serious attack.

[Source: http://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/ OPB / opb41-ariffin.pdf]

Oryctes Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros beetle) is among the longest agricultural in Malaysia and is known to cause serious damage on immature oil palm trees or young oil palm trees and have significant damage in the oil palm industry. Rhinoceros beetle is also a common pest in coconut palms.

A pesticide is any biological, physical or chemical substance used to control, destroy or repel a pest. Like for any other agricultural crop, oil palm yield can be severely affected by pests that compete against the palm for nutrients, infect or damage the palm. Losses due to pests and efforts to control pests are major obstacles in the cultivation of oil palm. For example, a single bagworm outbreak caused leaf defoliation of 10-year-old palms and reduced the yield to 40%-50% over the next two years. In order to overcome losses resulting from pest attacks, oil palm plantations practise integrated pest management (IPM) which is a sustainable approach to managing pests. IPM is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information together with available lest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. The control tactics include cultural, biological, genetic and chemical methods. Chemical control in IPM differs from that of a conventional chemical programme in that it involves the judicious use of pesticides. Although IPM approach relies primarily on natural predators to manage pests, the use of selective herbicides remains the most economic and effective pest control method in oil palm plantations. Pesticides, being toxic must be used with care to avoid accidental contact with people who handle or are exposed to them and to the surrounding environment.

[Source: Pesticide Application in the Oil Palm Plantation, Oil Palm Bulletin 54 (May 2007) p.52.67]

The use of chemicals is strictly for reducing the pest population if it exceeds a certain threshold. Workers should wear protective clothing when diluting and spraying the chemicals. The operators should have proper knowledge on handling pesticides and the correct method to apply the chemicals. The types of chemicals, supplies and usage need to be properly recorded and the chemicals need to be stored in a safe place. All pesticides are toxic and therefore should be applied according to the instructions on their labels.

Farmers generally use fertilizers and pesticides on crops for removing weeds and other unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling a wide variety of insects, preventing the spread of bacteria, and compounds used to control mice and rats. Conventionally the spraying is done by farmers carrying backpack sprayer and fertilizers are sprayed manually. It is very harmful to their health and can be dangerous.

[Source: Dual Sprayer for Pesticides and Fertilizers, August 2019, International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology 9(03)[

Herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals are often toxic to humans, animals and palms, and should be used sparingly and with care. Application of chemicals should always be carried out wearing full protective clothing including rubber gloves, boots, gas mask or mouth cover, safety glasses and rubber apron. The most commonly used knapsack sprayers are the so-called ‘lever-operated knapsack sprayers’.

[Source: https:/ / akvopedia.org/wiki/ Sustainable_Oil_Palm_Farming_/_Storing_and_spraying_ chemicals] Synthetic pesticides are extensively used in agriculture to control harmful pests and prevent crop yield losses or product damage. Because of high biological activity and, in certain cases, long persistence in the environment, pesticides may cause undesirable effects to human health and to the environment. Farmers are routinely exposed to high levels of pesticides, usually much greater than those of consumers. Farmers’ exposure mainly occurs during the preparation and application of the pesticide spray solutions and during the cleaning-up of spraying equipment. Farmers who mix, load, and spray pesticides can be exposed to these chemicals due to spills and splashes, direct spray contact as a result of faulty or missing protective equipment, or even drift. However, farmers can be also exposed to pesticides even when performing activities not directly related to pesticide use. Farmers who perform manual labour in areas treated with pesticides can face major exposure from direct spray, drift from neighbouring fields, or by contact with pesticide residues on the crop or soil. This kind of exposure is often underestimated. The dermal and inhalation routes of entry are typically the most common routes of farmers’ exposure to pesticides. Dermal exposure during usual pesticide handling takes place in body areas that remain uncovered by protective clothing, such as the face and the hands. Farmers’ exposure to pesticides can be reduced through less use of pesticides and through the correct use of the appropriate type of personal protective equipment in all stages of pesticide handling.

[Source: Farmers’ Exposure to Pesticides: Toxicity Types and Ways of Prevention, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606636/]

Air assist sprayers inject pesticides into a high-speed air stream, which helps carry the chemical to the crop to give better penetration of the crop or weed canopy. Studies show that air assist sprayers are capable of carrying spray drops deeper into the plant canopy and help deposit more pesticide on the underside of crop or weed leaves than other sprayers and may improve pest control.

[Source: Spray Equipment and Calibration, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University]

Chinese Patent Application CN111587870A (see Figure 1) describes a pesticide spraying machine, comprising a vehicle body (1), the upper part of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly provided with a pesticide barrel (2), the right side of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly installed with a pesticide spraying mechanism (3), the bottom of the vehicle body (1) is provided with a bottom wheel adjusting mechanism, wherein the bottom wheel adjusting mechanism comprises a supporting plate (7), the surface of the supporting plate (7) is provided with a moving block (9), the bottom of the moving block (9) is fixedly installed with a transmission device (5), one side of the transmission device (5) is fixedly installed with a driving device (6); the other side of the transmission device (5) is in transmission connection with a bottom wheel (4), the middle part of the upper surface of the supporting plate (7) is fixedly installed with an adjusting device (8); the front surface of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly installed with a motor switch (10), the output end of the motor switch (10) is connected with the adjusting device (8); the bottom of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly connected with the supporting plate (7). This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Chinese Utility Model CN211211109U (see Figure 2) describes a pesticide spraying machine, wherein it comprises a driving trolley and pesticide main pipe connected with the driving trolley; the driving trolley is provided with an upright post; the upright post is provided with a vertical medicine conveying pipe; the top part of the vertical medicine conveying pipe is provided with a transverse medicine conveying pipe; two sides of the driving trolley is further provided with a lower medicine conveying pipe; the end of the lower medicine conveying pipe, the transverse medicine conveying pipe, the middle part and the lower part of the vertical medicine conveying pipe are provided with a pesticide nozzle; the pesticide pipe is respectively connected with the vertical medicine conveying pipe and the lower medicine conveying pipe; the pesticide pipe is further provided with a main switch valve; two sides of the upright post is provided with a sensor for detecting plant; the sensor is electrically connected with the main switch valve. This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Chinese Patent Application CN111657255A (see Figure 3) describes a semi-automatic pesticide spraying machine, comprising a supporting bottom plate (1), wherein one side of the upper surface of the supporting bottom plate (1) is fixedly connected with a handrail (2), the upper surface of the supporting bottom plate (1) is fixedly connected with a supporting frame (3), the upper surface of the supporting bottom plate (1) is respectively fixedly connected with a liquid storage tank (4) and a booster pump (5); one side of the booster pump (5) is respectively fixedly connected with a booster pipe (6) and a liquid inlet pipe (7), the surface of the booster pipe (6) is provided with a one-way valve; the other side of the booster pump (5) is fixedly connected with a liquid outlet pipe (8); the liquid outlet end of the liquid outlet pipe (8) is fixedly connected with a hollow pipe (9) through a sealing bearing, two ends of the hollow pipe (9) are fixedly connected with a fixing plate (10), the surface of the hollow pipe (9) is fixedly connected with a water pipe (11); the liquid outlet end of the water pipe (11) is fixedly connected with a nozzle (12), the back surface of the hollow pipe (9) is fixedly connected with an output shaft of the motor (13); the bottom of the motor (13) is fixedly connected with a supporting base (14); the surface of the output shaft of the motor (13) is fixedly connected with a transmission wheel (15), the surface of the transmission wheel (15) is in transmission connection with a transmission belt (16), and the transmission wheel (15) is in transmission connection with the transmission rod surface on the back surface of the booster pump (5) through the surface transmission belt (16). This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Chinese Patent Application CN111587871A (see Figure 4) describes a pesticide spraying machine, comprising a vehicle body (1), the upper part of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly installed with a pesticide barrel (2), the bottom of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly installed with a bottom wheel (3), the middle part of the vehicle body (1) is provided with a spraying mechanism, wherein the spraying mechanism comprises a supporting device (4), the bottom of the supporting device (4) is fixedly installed with a guide rail (5), the bottom of the guide rail (5) is provided with a nozzle (6), the bottom of the supporting device (4) is provided with a water conveying device (8); the inner part of the guide rail (5) and the bottom of the water conveying device (8) are slidingly connected with a moving device (9), the bottom of the moving device (9) is fixedly connected with the nozzle (6); the front side of the vehicle body (1) is fixedly installed with a speed adjusting knob (7), the speed adjusting knob (7) is used for controlling the motor speed adjusting circuit. This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Chinese Utility Model CN211430731U (see Figure 5) describes a pesticide spraying machine for pesticide spraying, comprising a spraying machine (1), wherein one side bottom of the spraying machine (1) is provided with a first mounting groove (2), the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (2) is fixedly installed with an air pump (3); the top surface of the first mounting groove (2) is fixedly installed with an electromagnetic reversing valve (25), one side of the inner top of the spraying machine (1) is provided with a second mounting groove (4), the inner part of the second mounting groove (4) is fixedly installed with a first motor (5); the output end of the first motor (5) is fixedly connected with the centre of the bottom surface of the cylinder (8); the piston rod end of the cylinder (8) is fixedly installed with a nozzle (9), the other side of the top surface of the spraying machine (1) is fixedly installed with a water tank (10); the middle part of the inner part of the spraying machine (1) is provided with a fourth mounting groove (12), the bottom surface of the fourth mounting groove (12) is fixedly installed with a water pump (13), the water pump (13) through the water pipe (29) to connect the water tank (10) with the nozzle (9). This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Chinese Patent Application CN108848827A describes a plant protection fertilizer medicine spraying machine. The machine is compact in structure and convenient to operate, fold and unfold, and has high spraying efficiency, and sprays fertilizer in uniform manner, and drives a front wheel according to different requirements, and realizes four- wheel steering in rapid and reliable manner. The machine has a spraying system provided with a spraying rod pipe, a spraying rod pipe supporting rod, multiple nozzle joints and a conveying device. The conveying device is fixed on a self-propelled train body (1). A front end of a transverse placing fertilizer spraying pipe supporting rod is fixed with the spraying rod pipe supporting rod. A front end of a middle fertilizer spraying pipe supporting rod is fixed on a rear end surface of a side fertilizer spraying pipe supporting rod. The spraying rod pipe is transversely fixedly connected on an end surface of the spraying rod pipe supporting rod by a hose. The nozzle joints are arranged on the spraying rod pipe. This prior art does not describe the apparatus of the present invention.

Turbomizer P42 for pest control by RB Spraytech Sdn. Bhd. is ideal for very-low-volume (VLV) spraying as it uses a low pressure centrifugal pump, has an infield suction system and quality quick release driveshaft with tank capacity of 400L and 600L with productivity of up to 20ha per man day. This machine is the closest machine to the apparatus of the present invention and is currently widely being used in the industry. [Source: https://www.rbspraytech.com/our-products/pneumatic-air-systeni/turboniizer-p42- tr actor -niounted-vlv -sprayer]

The oil palm industry is very dependent on labour and requires many workers for its operations. Complete reliance on foreign workers is not an ultimate solution but only a temporary measure. In the face of raising labour issues such as labour costs, mechanisation and automation programmes are being ramped up by industry players to tackle the associated labour issues. The mechanisation of the oil palm sector is not considered as a luxury, but an imperative and is vital for industrial players to pursue further as the oil palm sector could be helped with more efficient use of labour and reduced dependence on foreign workers. [Source: theedgeniarkets.com]

The labour shortfall is adding urgency to longstanding plans for industry mechanisation. Sime Darby Plantation (SDP), the world's biggest palm oil company by land size, is hastening development and trials to deploy light machines that will aid in field upkeep, removing harvested crops and applying fertiliser. It is also turning to remote sensing and artificial intelligence to drive precision farming, making the most efficient use of farm inputs and field workers. IOI said it has a revitalised mechanisation plan, and aims to mechanise fertilising and pesticide spraying as well as automate mill operations, while FGV Holdings plans to mechanise an extra 30,000 ha over the next three years. Malaysia on average allots one worker for every 8 ha, but the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) wants a "quantum leap" in technology that would double the land area for each worker to 16 ha. This would reduce reliance on labour, which accounts for around 30 per cent of production costs. [Source: Malaysia's palm oil industry trying to hire local workers, 19 August 2020]

The labour shortage issue faced by the domestic plantation industry is expected to reduce productivity and harvesting even further during the peak cycle season at the end of the year 2020. MPOA states that local planters have already lost up to about 25% of potential yield throughout the series of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) right to the current Recovery MCO (RMCO) in the year 2020, without the services of some 37,000 foreign workers who had been sent home during the peak of the Covid- 19 pandemic. [Source: Labour shortage heightens losses in palm oil yield, 14 September 2020]

The persistent Covid- 19 situation continues to affect the rising crude palm oil (CPO) yields of the palm oil producers in the country due to labour shortage. The labour shortage issue remains unresolved and is getting worse, resulting in production losses. To-date, there has been a freeze on the intake of foreign workers since the first movement control order which was imposed on March 18 2020. CGS-CIMB Research pointed out that SDP’s workforce in Malaysia hovers between 75% and 80% of its total requirement. Meanwhile, FGV Holdings Bhd’s workforce stands at only 75% of requirement, which is a significant decline from 90% at the end of the third quarter last year, it added. According to a pre- MCO survey by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, there was a shortage of 31,021 harvesters among its respondents, which represents 76% of the industry players. CGS-CIMB Research said it was estimated that the shortage of workers translated into a production loss of 3.4 million tonnes and 0.86 million tonnes of CPO and palm kernel, respectively. [Source: Labour shortage getting worse in palm plantations, Star, 2 June 2021]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pesticides applicator apparatus which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the apparatus includes, at least one main boom or main horizontal arm of a first part, at least one inner boom or inner horizontal arm of a second part and at least one main tube of a third part for discharging or spraying pesticides solution on trees.

The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a pesticides applicator apparatus for spraying pesticides solution on trees which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the method including connecting at least one main boom or main horizontal arm of first part to one end of the at least one inner boom or inner horizontal arm of second part and connecting other end of the at least one inner boom or inner horizontal arm of the second part to one end of main tube of third part via connectors such as eyebolts and/or routing clamps whereby the first part, the second part and the third part extends from the left and/or right side of the movable vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Above recited features of the present invention may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not considered limiting of its scope as the invention may perform effectively to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following figures:

Figure 1 illustrates the invention of Chinese Patent Application CN111587870A.

Figure 2 illustrates the invention of Chinese Utility Model CN211211109U. Figure 3 illustrates the invention of Chinese Patent Application CN111657255A.

Figure 4 illustrates the invention of Chinese Patent Application CN111587871A.

Figure 5 illustrates the invention of Chinese Utility Model CN211430731U.

Figure 6 illustrates the side view of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates the lateral view of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates the main tube (5) of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates the inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm extension of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates the bracket boom (3) of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates the main boom (1) or main horizontal arm extension of the apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention in an oil palm estate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

While the present invention is described herein by way of example using illustrative drawings and embodiments, it should be understood that the detailed description is not intended to limit the invention to embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed but in contrary the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is described herein by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the features through the description. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to embodiments set forth herein.

Therefore, embodiments are provided so that this disclosure would be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of invention to those skilled in the art. Numeric values and ranges and materials as provided in the detailed description are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and is not intended as limiting in scope. The words such as “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing” or “involving” and other variations is intended to be broad and cover the subject matter as described including equivalents and additional subject matter not recited such as other components or steps.

A) Background:

In the cultivation of many crops in agriculture, whether cultivated in large plantations or small farms, pests and diseases prevent normal healthy growth and cause significant reduction of crop yield. In many oil palm growing areas, oil palm is plagued by many pests and diseases. The pests of oil palm include insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, birds, and other animals which damages a plant and reduces its productivity I yield potential and usefulness to man. Therefore, the effective and efficient management of pests and diseases is very important to ensure healthy growth of oil palms at all stages and to maximize crop yield by achieving high oil yield per ha. [Source: Effect of Pests and Diseases on Oil Palm Yield, December 2012, DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-9818936-9-3.50009-5]

As mentioned in the background section above, Oryctes Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros beetle) is among the longest agricultural in Malaysia and is known to cause serious damage on immature oil palm trees or young oil palm trees and have significant damage in the oil palm industry. Rhinoceros beetle is also a common pest in coconut palms. Rhinoceros beetle attacks are normally serious during the immature phase of the crop. The damaged palms have an extended immaturity period. Therefore, the initial yield can be severely reduced after a serious attack. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has defined pesticide as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, unwanted species of plants or animals, causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport, or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood products or animal feedstuffs, or substances that may be administered to animals for the control of insects, arachnids, or other pests in or on their bodies. The term includes substances intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant, desiccant, or agent for thinning fruit or preventing the premature fall of fruit. Also used as substances applied to crops either before or after harvest to protect the commodity from deterioration during storage and transport.

[Source: https:/ /web. archive.org /web/ 20130404190746/http:/ /www.fao.org/'WAICENT/FAOI NFO/ AGRICULT/ AGP/ AGPP/Pesticid/ Code/ Download/ code.pdf]

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for: Preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. Use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

Use as a nitrogen stabilizer

[Source: https:/ / www.epa.gov/ ingredients-used-pesticide-products/basic-information- about-pesticide-ingredients]

Pest attacks (by pests such as Rhinoceros beetles, Apogonia beetles and bagworms) have been a major challenge at replanting and during immature stage of the oil palm trees. Most common way for spraying are via the lever-operated knapsack sprayers which are done manually by workers to spray pesticides solution such as lambdacyhalothrin, cypermethrin, fenvelarate, monocrotophos, chlorphrifos, bayfolan and others on immature oil palm trees to stop / reduce / prevent pest attacks. Pesticides solution can be obtained in either liquid or powder versions which are then mixed with water to obtain pesticides solution.

The oil palm industry is labour-intensive which requires many workers for the various parts of operations in the oil palm estates. This present invention focuses on the improvement or mechanisation of pesticides spraying and application for immature oil palm trees. The conventional method of pesticides spraying and application for immature oil palm trees is very much labour intensive (using knapsack sprayer which essentially consists of a handheld nozzle which is supplied from a pressurised reservoir or container which is carried on the back of the worker like a backpack) with productivity per worker is roughly about 1 to 2 ha/day (8-hour period) for estates with terraced areas or about 2 to 3 ha/day (8-hour period) for estates with flat areas, which requires a gang of workers (of about 4 to 8 workers) to cover the required coverage (ha) per day.

The present invention relates generally to a pesticides applicator. More particularly to a mechanised pesticides applicator that is detachably connected to a movable vehicle for spraying pesticides on immature oil palm trees (1 to 24 months after planting for coastal estates or 1 to 30 months after planting for inland estates) for the purpose of preventing infestation of pest and diseases such as Apogonia beetles, Rhinoceros beetles, bagworms and others. The present invention can be used in coastal estates as well as inland estates (with mechanised terraces), hence it provides a solution that can be used in multi terrain field conditions.

All prior arts as listed and referred to above do not specifically describe the apparatus of the present invention. Therefore, there remains a need in the art to provide a pesticides applicator per present invention for spraying pesticides solution on immature oil palm trees with benefits and objectives as further described below which cannot be found from the prior art documents, hence, the inventors believe that this invention is novel and inventive.

The prior art documents listed above does not disclose the apparatus of the present invention. Apart from that, it is also not obvious by just reading the prior art documents or information for experts in the field of interest to derive the apparatus of the present invention without much efforts, testing and/or analysis. The present invention has been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions with combined expertise and experience in this field which could not be determined without much efforts, testing and/or analysis or by just reviewing prior art documents in this field.

B) Objectives of the Present Invention: According to Figures 6 to 12, the present invention provides a pesticides applicator apparatus which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the apparatus includes the following parts: at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm; at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm; at least one bracket boom (3); at least one roll over protection structure (ROPS) (4); at least one main tube (5); at least one extendable tube (6); at least one spraying nozzle (7); at least one spraying lance (8); at least two compression springs (9); at least two clamping brackets (10); at least two bolts (11); at least two bracket hinges (12); at least one plate (13); at least two tubes (14); at least one channel (15); and at least one clamp (16).

The present invention provides a pesticides applicator apparatus which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the apparatus includes at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm of a first part, at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of a second part and at least one main tube (5) of a third part for discharging or spraying pesticides solution on trees. One end of the first part is connected to the at least one ROPS (4) via at least one broom bracket (3) and other end of the first part is connected to one end of the second part via at least one connector or at least one clamp (16). The other end of the second part is connected to the third part via connectors such as eyebolts and/or routing clamps.

The first part, the second part and the third part extends from the left and/or right side of the movable vehicle. The length of the first, second and third parts on each side of the movable vehicle is in a range of between 3.0m to 4.0m. The at least one bracket boom (3) consists of at least one plate (13), at least two bracket hinges (12) and at least two bolts (11). The at least one main boom (1) consists of at least two tubes (14), at least one channel (15) and the at least one clamp (16). The upper and lower parts of the at least one channel (15) is connected via the at least two tubes (14).

The at least one inner boom (2) consists of at least one tubing connected to one end of at least one spraying lance (8) via at least two clamping brackets (10). The at least spraying lance (8) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) is facing or pointing upwards. The length of the at least one spraying lance (8) is in a range of between 1.3m to 1.7m. The at least one compression spring (9) is placed along the at least one spraying lance (8).

The length of the at least one main tube (5) is in a range of between 1.7m to 2.1m and is connected to one end of at least one extendable tube (6) via at least one connector or at least one holding bracket. The diameter of the at least one extendable tube (6) is same or less than diameter of the at least one main tube (5). The length of the at least one extendable tube (6) is adjustable. The at least one extendable tube (6) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6) is facing or pointing downwards.

The present invention also provides a method of assembling a pesticides applicator apparatus for spraying pesticides solution on trees which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the method including connecting at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm of first part to one end of the at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of second part and connecting other end of the at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of the second part to one end of main tube (5) of third part via connectors such as eyebolts and/or routing clamps whereby the first part, the second part and the third part extends from the left and/or right side of the movable vehicle.

One end of the first part is connected to the at least one roll over protection structure (ROPS) (4) via at least one broom bracket (3) and other end of the first part is connected to one end of the second part via at least one connector or at least one clamp (16), whereby the at least one bracket boom (3) consists of at least one plate (13), at least two bracket hinges (12) and at least two bolts (11). The at least one main boom (1) consists of at least two tubes (14), at least one channel (15) and the at least one clamp (16). The upper and lower parts of the at least one channel (15) is connected via the at least two tubes (14).

The at least one inner boom (2) consists of at least one tubing connected to one end of at least one spraying lance (8) via at least two clamping brackets (10), whereby the at least spraying lance (8) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) is facing or pointing upwards. The length of the at least one spraying lance (8) is in a range of between 1.3m to 1.7m. The at least one compression spring (9) is placed along the at least one spraying lance (8).

The length of the at least one main tube (5) is in a range of between 1.7m to 2.1m and is connected to one end of at least one extendable tube (6) via at least one connector or at least one holding bracket, whereby diameter of the at least one extendable tube (6) is same or less than diameter of the at least one main tube (5). The length of the at least one extendable tube (6) is adjustable and contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6) is facing or pointing downwards.

The pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed simultaneously from the at least one nozzle (7) as contained at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) and at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6). The pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed at one side at a time or simultaneously from both sides. The apparatus is to discharge or spray pesticides solution on immature trees.

Managing pests and diseases are important for immature oil palms trees as pests and diseases can reduce oil palm yield and damage the FFB and also compete with the oil palm trees for nutrients, hence, it is important to find pest and disease outbreaks as early as possible (i.e. at its immature stage). Therefore, the present invention provides the means for mechanised method of spraying pesticides solution to control pest and disease outbreaks in the immature phase of the oil palm trees.

As the oil palm industry is very dependent on labour, it is crucial to contribute in solving the current issue with regards to shortage of workers in the oil palm estates as labour issues will reduce productivity and harvesting. This present invention provides a means to address the labour issue to allow the oil palm industry to operate as how it should without being heavily dependent on labour.

Herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals are often toxic to humans, animals and palms, and should be used sparingly and with care. Conventionally the spraying is done by farmers carrying backpack sprayer and fertilizers are sprayed manually, thus, it is very harmful to their health and can be dangerous. This present invention provides a safe and non-hazardous way for the workers to conduct spraying of the pesticides solution on immature oil palm trees.

Challenges currently faced by the industry pertaining to the manual means (using knapsack sprayers) of pesticides spraying are as follows:-

• With current situation whereby the industry is facing shortage of workers, labour intensive works such as pesticides spraying has become an issue.

• Apart from that, the manual spraying requires the usage of knapsack sprayers which are carried on the backs of the workers for long time and distances, which is ergonomically unsafe.

• Worker’s exposure to the pesticides solution is also a serious matter of concern to the health of the workers.

• Manual way of spraying pesticides is laborious and requires a gang of workers - usually about 4 to 8 workers (for e.g.: a 200 ha estate plated with immature oil palm trees may require about 7 workers for a 2 ha coverage/day/worker) in order to fulfil spraying coverage as determined by the individual oil palm estates based on recommendation and requirements.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanised means for applying pesticides solution for immature palms, specifically immature oil palm trees. Although the focus of the apparatus of the present invention is to spray pesticides solution for immature oil palm trees, however can also be used for applying pesticides solution for other trees at its immature phase such as coconut trees, rubber trees, fruit trees and others and for use at nurseries as well. The apparatus of the present invention can also be used to spray foliar fertilisers as and when necessary (spraying fertilisers directly to the leaves rather than the roots when the trees are lacking in nutrients). Apart from that, the apparatus of the present invention can also be used for watering the immature oil palm trees and/or other immature trees.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanised means for spraying pesticides solution on immature oil palm trees in the oil palm estates for efficient and effective spraying of pesticides spraying as opposed to manual means of using knapsack sprayer to spray pesticides solution for immature oil palm trees which are time consuming, labour intensive, back breaking, ergonomically unsafe and hazardous due to exposure to the pesticides solution.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pesticides applicator which is suitable for use at both coastal estates (which consist of flat and undulating terrains) or estates with flat terrains and inland estates (where terraces have been established on hilly terrains to allow movement of vehicles for mechanisation purposes) whereby pesticides application is usually done on one side only.

The object of the present invention is to provide efficient spraying coverage for the leaves I fronds of the oil palm tree whereby the top and under parts of the oil palm fronds I leaves are completely drenched in the pesticides solution. There are spraying nozzles (7) at one end of the spraying lance (8) which is pointing downwards and also at one end of the extendable tube (6) which is pointing upwards that allows for complete drenching of the oil palm fronds in the shortest spraying time possible. 3 to 6 seconds is enough to sufficiently spray pesticides solution on the immature palm trees to drench the leaves with adequate amount of pesticides solution. Application rate of the pesticides solution can be adjusted per palm basis, to be in range of between 250 ml to 500 ml per palm depending on the calibrated rate as determined by the experts /agronomists for an oil palm estate and also on the type of pests & diseases to control.

The object of the present invention is also to ensure that the spraying of the pesticides solution is only done when the apparatus of the present invention is at the location of the immature oil palm trees. The spraying is not continuous to prevent wastage of spraying pesticides solution at vacant areas in the oil palm estates. The spraying of the pesticides solution is not continuous as there is at least one valve or lever or on/off button to control release or spraying of the pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees. The spraying can be controlled to be done on one side only (inland estates with mechanised terraces with oil palm trees usually planted on one side only) or at one side at a time (switch spraying from left to right or right to left) or spraying done simultaneously on both sides, depending on the needs and preference of the user of the present invention. As the oil palm trees are planted in triangular patters, hence, spraying of the pesticides solution is usually done 1 oil palm tree at a time on both sides (for coastal estates) and 1 oil palm tree at a time on one side (for inland estates with terraces).

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safer means I method to spray pesticides solution on the trees as opposed to manual means which is hazardous or dangerous to the workers who are handling pesticide spraying on a day to day basis. Exposure to pesticides solution is hazardous and if not handled properly can sometimes cause death to humans and livings things around (i.e. animals, trees, etc.).

Further objective of the present invention is to provide a ratio (present invention: manual means) of at least 1:4 workers to 1:8 workers (with average of 2 ha/day /worker per conventional means).

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanised means for spraying the pesticides solution which ultimately is able to eliminate manual means of doing so.

C) Benefits of the Present Invention:-

Based on the expertise, observation and testing by the inventors of the present invention to operate the apparatus of the present invention in the most efficient way possible based on intended results, practicality of ground conditions and cost effectiveness, the following benefits were observed: -

• spraying of pesticides solution on immature oil palm trees can be completed within the recommended intervals as determined by each individual estate;

• able to work towards reducing I solving the labour shortage currently faced in the oil palm industry; provides a means to reduce skilled labour requirements, physical efforts and to encourage more locals to work in the industry; provides a means to eliminate entirely manual spraying of pesticides solution using knapsack sprayer;

• able to achieve consistent spraying volume and efficiency as opposed to conventional / manual means of doing so;

• the apparatus of the present invention can be used in both coastal estates (estates with flat terrains) and inland estates with mechanised terraces;

• the present invention translates into at least a productivity of at least (minimum) 16 ha/day /worker for an 8-hour period using a movable vehicle with capacity of 900L (as opposed to conventional means of 2 to 3 ha/day/worker). Hence, this results in the reduction of at least (minimum) 4 workers which provides savings in operational cost per hectare or per year;

• the productivity is increased by at least 8 times or more using the apparatus of the present invention as opposed to conventional means of using knapsack sprayer. A bigger coverage can be achieved per ha/day/worker with extended working hours and/or bigger tank capacity is used. All this can be determined and selected based on preference and needs of the user of the apparatus of the present invention;

• the driver or the operator of the present invention is able to manage the entire process alone using the apparatus of the present invention, including driving the apparatus back to a designated station to refill the tank with more pesticides solution for spraying. The apparatus utilises the use of worker’s energy in the most efficient manner possible, thus, enabling them to spray pesticides solution in the most effective way and shortest time possible without the need to refill many times in comparison with knapsack sprayers (> 6 times refilling per day) in order to continue with the spraying works (for a full working day period). Some estates allow use of a movable vehicle with a big tank capacity of about 900L to l,000L or so, which doesn’t require refilling of pesticides solution for a days’ work, hence, productivity of the present invention is increased even more;

• the apparatus of the present invention also is a safe as operator or driver is protected from exposure to the pesticides solution during spraying as the driver is 10 to 15 feet away when spraying happens as opposed to manual means of using knapsack spraying where the operator is easily exposed to hazardous pesticides solution. Apart from that, fiberglass guard can also be installed at the driver’s cabin to further protect any and all exposure to the pesticides solution which are hazardous to human health;

• solves ergonomic issues as the worker is not required to carry knapsack sprayers on their backs while walking for long hours per day;

• the apparatus of the present invention is easy to move I manoeuvre in the oil palm estates - for both inland estates (with mechanised terraces) and coastal estates (estates with flat terrain);

• easy and cheap to manufacture the apparatus of the present invention;

• any type of moveable vehicle can be used with the present invention. The movable vehicle of the present invention is preferably a four wheeler and can be selected based on ground conditions, accessibility and affordability of individual estates based on needs and preference of the user of the apparatus of the present invention, such as a tractor and any other other 4-wheeler machines (preferably with a loading capacity of between 400L to l,000L of pesticides solution) currently available in the market. The movable vehicles are chosen based on the terrains of the oil palm estates as long the movable vehicle does not cause any damage at the travelling path and also safe and stable for us at the intended areas. Average speed of the movable is preferably in a range of between 4 km/h to 7 km/h which is enough to provide sufficient spraying to arrive at the claimed benefits and advantages of the present invention; and

• usage of the apparatus of the present invention is able to eliminate completely pesticides spraying using manual means (i.e. spraying using knapsack sprayers).

D) The Present Invention:-

Any type of moveable vehicle can be used with the present invention. The movable vehicle of the present invention is preferably a four wheeler and can be selected based on ground conditions, accessibility and affordability of individual estates based on needs and preference of the user of the apparatus of the present invention, such as the tractor and other 4-wheeler machines meant for infield accessibility currently available in the market. The apparatus of the present invention consists of horizontal arms detachably connected to the movable vehicle, extending out from the left and right sides of the movable vehicle.

The length of each horizontal arm extending out from the movable vehicle is in a range of 3.0m to 4.0m, which is sufficient for the efficiently spraying the pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees, as generally distance from palm tree to palm tree is in a range of between 8m to 9m. The exact length of the horizontal arm can be adjusted to the exact length required based on requirements or planting distance of an individual estate to ensure that the spraying is done accurately on the trees and not on vacant areas of the estates.

Each horizontal arm extending out from each side of the movable vehicle further consists of the following parts:-

• Main boom (1) or main horizontal arm with a length of between 0.9m to 1.2m, which length can be adjusted depending on the needs and preference of the user of the present invention. The main boom (1) consists of at least 2 tubes (14) or more whereby square tubes with the dimension of 1-inch X 1-inch with various lengths are used for the purposes of the present invention. The main boom (1) further consists of a structural channel (15) also known as a C-Channel whereby the length of the tubes (14) used to connect the upper and lower parts of the C-Channel is in a range of between 9cm to 13cm for the purposes of this present invention. At least one clamp (16) (toggle type, latch style, with locking mechanism) is used in the main boom (1) of the apparatus of the present invention.

• Inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm which consists of a horizontal rectangular tubing connected to the spraying lance (8) via at least 2 clamping brackets (10).

• Bracket boom (3), wherein the bracket boom is connected to the ROPS (4) via routing clamps and steel eyebolts on one end and to the main boom (1) or main horizontal arm on the other end. For the purposes of the present invention, the bracket boom (3) to used is essentially a thin plate (13) with diameter of between 4mm to 6mm with at least 2 bracket hinges (12) with a 90 degrees’ pivot angle and at least 2 U-bolts (11). The U-bolt used for this present invention is a square U-bolt with a width about 2.8 inches to 3.2 inches (0.071m to 0.081m) and diameter in between 2.4 to 2.8 inches (0.061m to 0.071m). The bracket boom (3) for this present invention is preferably made of steel and functions as a frame to provide solid support to the ROPS at one end and to the main tube (5) and spraying lance (8) on other end for spraying pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees.

• Roll over protection structure (ROPS) (4) is essentially a safety feature for the operator of the present invention to reduce possibility of the operator from being crushed in the event the machine rolls-over (especially at terraced areas).

• Main tube (5) which could be a rectangular, square or oval aluminium tubing (depending on preference of the user of the present invention) with length in a range of between 1.7m to 2.1m, with an outer diameter of the tube (5) in a range of between 1 to 2 inches (0.025m to 0.051m). The main tube (5) is connected to the inner boom (2) via steel eyebolts and routing clamps.

• Extendable tube (6) connected to the main tube (5) on a one end via a holding bracket which length can be adjusted based on the spraying height required by the user of the present invention and connected to spraying nozzles (7) on the other end. The outer diameter of the extendable tube (6) is the same or smaller than the main tube (5). Height of immature oil palm trees is usually in a range of between Im to 2.5m, whereby the trunk growth is about Im and overall palm growth from ground to the tip of the oil palm leaves is about 2.5m. The user of the present invention can easily calibrate length of the extendable tube (6) to be 1ft to 2ft (0.3m to 0.6m) from the immature trees for efficient spraying of the pesticides solution. If the spraying nozzles (7) are more than 2 feet away from the immature trees, this could cause inefficient spraying on the immature oil palm trees and the pesticides could be blown away or discharged not accurately on the oil palm fronds I leaves.

• At least one spraying nozzle (7) at the end of each extendable tube (6) for spraying pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees. 1 spraying nozzle (7) is sufficient for the purposes of the present invention, however at least 2 or more spraying nozzles (7) are preferred for shorter and efficient spraying of pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) is facing or pointing upwards to spray pesticides solution underneath the oil palm leaves which is able to address pests such as red spider mites and caterpillars. • Spraying lance (8) with adjustable angle nozzle which allows movement of the at least one spraying nozzle (7) as contain at the one end of the spraying lance (8) to also spray pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees for effective and full drenching of the pesticides solution on the leaves of the immature oil palm trees. The length of the spraying lance (8) is in a range of between 1.3m to 1.7m and is connected to the rectangular tube of the inner boom (2) on the other end, whereby the length of the rectangular tube is in a range of between 0.9m to 1.2m. 1 spraying nozzle (7) is sufficient, however at least 2 or more spraying nozzles (7) are preferred for shorter and efficient spraying of pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees. The at least one spraying nozzle (7) is facing or pointing downwards so that the pesticides solution are sprayed on top of the immature oil palm trees and the pesticides solution drips down the palm crown which increases effectiveness in controlling the Rhinoceros beetles.

• Compression springs (9) are placed along the spraying lance (8) closer towards the at least one spraying nozzle (7) to avoid damage to the spraying lance (8) when being used to spray pesticides solution on the immature trees.

The type of spraying nozzles (7) used and its size (diameter) would depend on what is being sprayed, for this instance spraying nozzles (7) chosen must be suitable for spraying pressurised pesticides solution, however, spraying nozzles (7) used for each apparatus is preferable to all be the same size and type for the best efficient spraying and optimum results. The pressure range of the spraying nozzles (7) can be determined from the manufacturer’s specification and type of spraying nozzles (7) are selected based on preference of the user of the present invention. Any type of spraying nozzles (7) can be used depending on preference and needs of the user as long as it is able to withstand discharge or spraying of pressurised pesticides solution to the immature trees, such as copper cone jet nozzle, plastic cone jet, fat jet or others based on preference of the user of the present invention. The spray application rate is in a range of between 350 L/ha to 500 L/ha, preferably around 450 L/ha to achieve the required spraying efficiency. This spray application rate provides sufficient wetting or drenching of the immature trees with the pesticides solution as determined by numerous testing and trials by the inventors of the present invention. However, the spray application rate per hectare (L/ha) may vary per estate basis depending on each estate’s requirements, also on the age, height and density of the oil palm trees in the oil palm estates as determined by the user of the apparatus of the present invention. Based on this application rate 3 to 6 seconds is enough for sufficient spraying of the pesticides solution on each immature palms to drench the leaves with adequate amount required.

The driver or the operator of the present invention is able to manage the entire process alone using the apparatus of the present invention, including driving the apparatus back to a designated station to refill the tank with more pesticides solution for spraying. The apparatus utilises the use of worker’s energy in the most efficient manner possible, thus, enabling them to spray pesticides solution in the most efficient way and shortest time possible without the need to refill many times in comparison with knapsack sprayers (> 6 times refilling per day) in order to continue with the spraying works (for a full working day period). Some estates allow use of a movable vehicle with a big tank capacity of about l,000L or so, which doesn’t require refilling of pesticides solution per day, hence, productivity of the present invention is increased even more.

The present invention is to provide efficient spraying coverage for the leaves I fronds of the oil palm tree whereby the top and under parts of the oil palm fronds I leaves are completely drenched in the pesticides solution due to the at least one spraying nozzle (7) at one end of spraying lance (8) facing upwards and the at least one spraying nozzle (7) on one end of the extendable tube (6) facing downwards. 3 to 6 seconds is enough for sufficiently spraying pesticides on each immature palms to drench the leaves with adequate amount of pesticides solution required for the purposes of the present invention. Application rate of the pesticides solution can be adjusted per palm to be in range of between 250 ml to 500 ml per palm depending on the calibrated rate as determined by the experts /agronomists for an oil palm estate depending on type of pests & diseases to control.

At least one control lever or on/off button or valve is required for the present invention to control the spraying of the pesticides solution from the at least one spraying nozzle (7) to the tree. Spraying of the pesticides solution from the at least one spraying nozzle (7) from the spraying lance (8) and at least one spraying nozzle (7) from the extendable tube (6) is done simultaneously for effective spraying, however, can be adjusted to only spray from spraying nozzles (7) from the spraying lance (8) or spraying nozzles (7) from the extendable tube (6). The spraying of the pesticides solution is only done when the apparatus of the present invention is at the location of the immature oil palm trees. The spraying is not continuous to prevent wastage of spraying pesticides solution at vacant areas in the oil palm estates. The spraying of the pesticides solution is not continuous as there is at least one valve or on/off button to control release or spraying of the pesticides solution on the immature oil palm trees which could lead to prevent wastage. The spraying can be controlled to be done at one side at a time or simultaneously, depending on the needs and preference of the user of the present invention. As the oil palm trees are planted in triangular patters, hence, spraying of the pesticides solution is usually done 1 oil palm tree at a time on both sides (for coastal estates) and 1 oil palm tree at a time on one side (for inland estates with terraces).

At least one lever controls the spraying per tree around 3 to 6 seconds for effective and optimum spraying, to fully drench the leaves of the oil palm trees. No spraying is done when the apparatus moves from tree to tree to prevent wastage of spraying pesticides at vacant areas. More than 6 seconds would result in wastage of the pesticides solution. 3 to 6 seconds is sufficient to provide 250 ml to 500 ml per oil palm tree, to fully drench the oil palm fronds I leaves for effective spraying of pesticides solution.

The movable vehicle contains at least one tank or container to store the pesticides solution (pesticides mixed with water). The amount pesticides solution to be stored in the at least one tank or container is based on the movable vehicle’s space and loading capacity depending on the preference and needs of the user. This calibrated dosage and amount of the pesticides solution required is based on requirements of each individual estates’ requirements as determined by type of pesticides used, manufacturers, recommendation by agronomists /experts and also based on the preference of the user of the apparatus of the present invention. The at least one tank or container of the present invention can be in any shape as preferred by the user of the apparatus of the present invention. When the at least one tank or container is empty (after each spraying cycle), the operator will drive the movable vehicle to the designated area for refiling purposes and to begin operations all over again for at least an 8-hour working period. For the purposes of the present invention, pesticides solution as contained in the at least tank or container of volume 900L is used to demonstrate the apparatus of the present invention.

Pressurised pesticides solution is produced by the apparatus of the present invention for spraying to the immature oil palm trees. The output pressure from at least one pump used for the apparatus of the present invention stabilizes the pressurised pesticides solution produced to ensure same or equivalent flowrate of pesticides solution are released or sprayed from each spraying nozzle (7) as contained at one end of the spraying lance (8) and one end of the extendable tube (6).

Any and all types of pesticides can be used for this present invention in the form of liquid and/or soluble powders such as lambdacyhalothrin, cypermethrin, fenvelarate, monocrotophos, chlorphrifos, bayfolan and/or others based on preference and needs on the user of the present invention.

To the best of the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention and based on prior arts available, there is no known apparatus per present invention in the market currently.

The novel and unique aspects of the apparatus of the present invention focuses on:

- the broom bracket (3) which provides solid support for the extension of the horizontal arms from both sides of the movable vehicle;

- spraying mechanism from the spraying nozzles (7) as contained at one end of the spraying lance (8) and one end of the extendable tube (6), whereby the spraying nozzles (7) at one end of the spraying lance (8) are facing upwards and the spraying nozzles (7) at one end of the extendable tube (6) are facing downwards; and

- the length of the extendable tube (6) is also adjustable to that the nozzles (7) are 1ft to 2ft from the trees for efficient spraying, to ensure that the nozzles (7) are not too far or too near to the immature oil palm trees.

The spraying mechanism from the at least one spraying nozzle (7) facing upwards and downwards allows the oil palm fronds / leaves to be fully drenched on the top and bottom of the leaves for efficient control of various pests on immature oil palm trees. The uniqueness of this present invention is the spraying of the pesticides solution from the spraying nozzles (7) at one end of the spraying lance (8) which is pointin g downwards and also at one end of the extendable tube (6) which is pointing upwards that allows for complete drenching of the oil palm fronds in the shortest spraying time possible. 3 to 6 seconds is enough for sufficiently spraying pesticides on each immature palms to drench the leaves with adequate amount of pesticides solution required for the purposes of the present invention. Spraying of pesticides solution from both sides (whether one side at a time or simultaneously) of the movable vehicle increases productivity and results in lower operation cost. Not only spraying efficiency is improved and fronds are fully drenched with the pesticides solution but this apparatus is able to control a different types of pests in the oil palm estates.

Based on the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention, there is no known prior art or machine per apparatus of the present invention for the said focus and purposes, hence the inventors believe that this present invention is novel. Apart from that, it is also not obvious by just reading the prior art documents or information as listed above for experts in the field of interest to derive the apparatus of the present invention without much efforts, testing and/or analysis. The parameters for the present invention have been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions with combined expertise and experience in this field which parameters and/or combination could not be determined without much efforts, testing and/or analysis or by just reviewing prior art documents in this field.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention believes that the present invention is novel and inventive.

E) Findings and Observations of the Present Invention:-

Based on the testing, trials and observations by the inventors of the present invention:-

A minimum productivity of at least (minimum) 16 ha/day for an 8-hour period using a movable vehicle with capacity of 900L (as opposed to conventional means of 2 to 3 ha/day/worker) results in the reduction of at least (minimum) 4 workers up to 8 workers which provides savings in operational cost per hectare or per year is able to be achieved with the apparatus of the present invention.

The productivity is increased by at least 8 times or more using the apparatus of the present invention as opposed to conventional means of using knapsack sprayer. A bigger coverage can be achieved per ha/day/worker with extended working hours and/or bigger tank capacity is used.

A movable vehicle with a 900L to l,000L is able to cover 16 ha for a single day operation (8-hour working period, with 1 worker) without the need to refill the tank. A 400L tank or container would require at least 1 time of refilling at an internal of 4 to 5 hours. Assuming each palm tree requires about 250ml of pesticides solution, hence movable vehicle with tank size of 900L to 1000L is sufficient to spray pesticides solution for about 3,600 palms which translates to 24 ha per day, with spraying application rate for each immature tree in a range of between 3 to 6 seconds.

The spraying of the pesticides solution is only done when the spraying nozzles (7) are at the right position towards the immature oil palm trees. The spraying is not continuous to prevent wastage of spraying pesticides solution at vacant areas in the oil palm estates. 3 to 6 seconds is enough for sufficient spraying of pesticides solution on each immature oil palm tree to drench the leaves with adequate amount of pesticides solution required.

The spraying nozzles (7) facing or pointing upwards is able to address pests such as red spider mites and caterpillars. The spraying nozzles (7) which are pointing downwards so that the pesticides solution are sprayed on top of the immature oil palm trees and the solution drips down to the palm crown increases effectiveness in controlling the Rhinoceros beetles.

The apparatus of the present invention to be calibrated as and when necessary based on the needs and preference of the user of the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention to be calibrated to ensure the right amount of pesticides solution are discharged or sprayed on the immature oil palm trees in the duration of 3 to 6 seconds based on requirements of each individual oil palm estates, all the spraying nozzles (7) are working in good spraying conditions and spraying lance (8) and extendable tube (6) are in solid condition for efficient operations of the apparatus of the present invention.

Operator of the apparatus of the present invention is able to operate and control the spraying I discharge of the pesticides solution from the apparatus of the present invention for a full working day - hence, 1 worker is sufficient to operate the apparatus of the present invention.

The amount of pesticides solution per tree and intervals for spraying to be based on recommendation of agronomists / experts based on conditions of the individual estates. To the best of the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention and based on prior arts available, there is no known apparatus per present invention in the market currently for spraying pesticides solution to the immature oil palm trees.

The spraying mechanism from the at least one spraying nozzle (7) facing upwards and downwards allows the oil palm fronds / leaves to be fully drenched on the top and bottom of the leaves for efficient control of various / different types pests on immature oil palm trees. The uniqueness of this present invention is the spraying of the pesticides solution from the spraying nozzles (7) at one end of the spraying lance (8) which is pointing downwards and also at one end of the extendable tube (6) which is pointing upwards that allows for complete drenching of the oil palm fronds in the shortest spraying time possible. 3 to 6 seconds is enough for sufficiently spraying pesticides on each immature palms to drench the leaves with adequate amount of pesticides solution required for the purposes of the present invention .

The spraying can be controlled to be done on one side only (inland estates with mechanised terraces with oil palm trees usually planted on one side only) or at one side at a time (switch spraying from left to right or right to left) or simultaneously, hence results in lower operation cost.

The spraying efficiency is improved and the oil palm fronds are fully drenched with the pesticides solution hence, this apparatus is able to control different types of pests in the oil palm estates.

Any type of moveable vehicle can be used with the present invention. The movable vehicle of the present invention is preferably a four wheeler and can be selected based on ground conditions, accessibility and affordability of individual estates based on needs and preference of the user of the apparatus of the present invention, such as a tractor and other 4-wheeler machines (preferably with a loading capacity of between 400L to l,000L of pesticides solution) meant for infield accessibility currently available in the market. The movable vehicles are chosen based on the terrains of the oil palm estates as long the movable vehicle does not cause any damage at the travelling path and also safe and stable for us at the intended areas. Average speed of the movable is preferably in a range of between 4 km/h to 7 km/h which is enough to provide sufficient spraying to arrive at the claimed benefits and advantages of the present invention. Finally, it can be appreciated that the parameters for the present invention are not obvious for a person skilled in the art and have been determined by the inventors based on numerous trials conducted, observations, discussions and combined expertise, which would not be able to be determined without much efforts and analysis. All prior arts as listed and referred to above do not specifically describe the pesticides applicator of this present invention. To the best of our knowledge, the present invention is novel and inventive.

Various modifications to these embodiments as described herein are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The description is not intended to be limited to these embodiments as shown with the accompanying drawings but is to provide the broadest scope possible as consistent with the novel and inventive features disclosed. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.

Claims

1. A pesticides applicator apparatus which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the apparatus includes: a) at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm of a first part; b) at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of a second part; and c) at least one main tube (5) of a third part, for discharging or spraying pesticides solution on trees.

2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein one end of the first part is connected to at least one roll over protection structure (ROPS) (4) via at least one broom bracket (3) and other end of the first part is connected to one end of the second part via at least one connector or at least one clamp (16).

3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the at least one bracket boom (3) consists of at least one plate (13), at least two bracket hinges (12) and/or at least two bolts (11).

4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein other end of the second part is connected to the third part via connectors such as eyebolts and/or routing clamps.

5. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the first part, the second part and the third part extends from the left and/or right side of the movable vehicle.

6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein length of the first, second and third parts on each side of the movable vehicle is in a range of between 3.0m to 4.0m.

7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one main boom (1) consists of at least two tubes (14), at least one channel (15) and the at least one clamp (16).

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein upper and lower parts of the at least one channel (15) is connected via the at least two tubes (14).

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one inner boom (2) consists of at least one tubing connected to one end of at least one spraying lance (8) via at least two clamping brackets (10).

10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the at least spraying lance (8) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees.

11. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 9 to 10, wherein the at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) is facing or pointing upwards.

12. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one compression spring (9) is placed along the at least one spraying lance (8).

13. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one main tube (5) is connected to one end of at least one extendable tube (6) via at least one connector or at least one holding bracket.

14. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein diameter of the at least one extendable tube (6) is same or less than diameter of the at least one main tube (5).

15. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 13 to 14, wherein length of the at least one extendable tube (6) is adjustable.

16. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one extendable tube (6) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees.

17. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 13 to 16, wherein the at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6) is facing or pointing downwards.

18. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 to 17, wherein the pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed simultaneously from the at least one nozzle (7) as contained at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) and at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6).

19. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 to 17, wherein the pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed at one side at a time or simultaneously from both sides.

20. The apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 to 17, wherein the apparatus is to discharge or spray pesticides solution on immature trees.

21. A method of assembling a pesticides applicator apparatus for spraying pesticides solution on trees which is detachably connected to a movable vehicle, the method including: a) connecting at least one main boom (1) or main horizontal arm of first part to one end of the at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of second part; and b) connecting other end of the at least one inner boom (2) or inner horizontal arm of the second part to one end of main tube (5) of third part via connectors such as eyebolts and/or routing clamps, whereby the first part, the second part and the third part extends from the left and/or right side of the movable vehicle.

22. The method as claimed in Claim 21, wherein one end of the first part is connected to at least one roll over protection structure (ROPS) (4) via at least one broom bracket (3) and other end of the first part is connected to one end of the second part via at least one connector or at least one clamp (16), whereby the at least one bracket boom (3) consists of at least one plate (13), at least two bracket hinges (12) and at least two bolts (11).

23. The method as claimed in Claims 21 to 22, wherein the at least one main boom (1) consists of at least two tubes (14), at least one channel (15) and/or the at least one clamp (16).

24. The method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein upper and lower parts of the at least one channel (15) is connected via the at least two tubes (14).

25. The method as claimed in Claims 21 to 22, wherein the at least one inner boom (2) consists of at least one tubing connected to one end of at least one spraying lance (8) via at least two clamping brackets (10), whereby the at least spraying lance (8) contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees.

26. The method as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) is facing or pointing upwards.

27. The method as claimed in Claims 25 to 26, wherein at least one compression spring (9) is placed along the at least one spraying lance (8).

28. The method as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the at least one main tube (5) is connected to one end of at least one extendable tube (6) via at least one connector or at least one holding bracket, whereby diameter of the at least one extendable tube (6) is same or less than diameter of the at least one main tube (5).

29. The method as claimed in Claim 28, wherein length of the at least one extendable tube (6) is adjustable and contains at least one spraying nozzle (7) on other end to discharge or spray the pesticides solution on the trees.

30. The method as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the at least one spraying nozzle (7) at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6) is facing or pointing downwards.

31. The method as claimed in Claims 21 to 30, wherein the pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed simultaneously from the at least one nozzle (7) as contained at the other end of the at least one spraying lance (8) and at the other end of the at least one extendable tube (6).

32. The method as claimed in Claims 21 to 31, wherein the pesticides solution is discharged or sprayed at one side at a time or simultaneously from both sides on immature trees.