Apparatus and method for simultaneously topping and applying a precision application of sucker control chemicals to tobacco and other row crops

摘要

An apparatus for simultaneously topping and precisely applying sucker control chemicals to tobacco plants and for related uses wherein the apparatus comprises a housing wherein the front and bottom of the housing are open. A blower is positioned in the top of the apparatus for creating a downwardly directed air stream to facilitate decapitating the tobacco plants by a mechanical cutter positioned in the bottom of the apparatus as the tobacco plants pass therebeneath. A pair of spaced- apart rotating belts are located beneath the mechanical cutter and define a pathway from the front to the back of the housing and act to gather tobacco plants at the front and guide the tobacco plants through the housing. A spray manifold is provided for applying sucker control chemicals downwardly in a confined pattern onto decapitated tobacco plants as they pass from the mechanical cutter and beneath the spray manifold. Circuit means is provided for actuating application of the sucker control chemicals by the spray manifold when the tobacco plants are properly oriented substantially beneath the spray manifold.