Biological control of spitthebug, Mahanarva posticata (Stal) in sugarcane crop has been demonstrated possible and effective. Particular conditions in Northeastern of Brazil, where this pest causes severe damage, contribute to make aerial spraying suitable. Nevertheless, some good results in pest control are alternated with unsatisfactory ones. Some doubts on aerial spray application technology used have arisen, since technical information obtained in this Field are scarce. This trial was carried out in Alagoas State, Brazil, in 30-7-1985 with the aim of improving the efficiency of aerial application of the above biological pesticide mentioned. This paper presents some spray deposit patterns obtained with the Brazilian aircraft, namely IPANEMA EMB 201-A. The aerial spray application using this Brazilian aircraft and lane separations of 20 m, gave recovery of 44.5%, while 60% of it was lost in the soil. There fore, only 18% of the spray application was effectively deposited on plant canopy.
aerial spray application; aerial pest control; pesticides