Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Lowe, John Wesley
Committee Member
Griffin, Matt J.
Committee Member
Chester, Gary Daniel Jr.
Committee Member
Street, Jason T.
Date of Degree
12-8-2023
Original embargo terms
Embargo 2 Years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Agriculture
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
Engineering Technology Program
Abstract
The digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, poses a substantial threat to catfish aquaculture, causing significant economic losses. Infestations lead to suppressed feed consumption, secondary bacterial infections and poor production performance. Survey data reveals widespread infestation in the in the southeastern United States. Current control strategies involve the application of a concentrated copper sulfate solution to reduce snail populations which serve as the first intermediate host of the trematode life cycle. This study aimed to improve treatment efficacy by developing a granular copper sulfate application system. A modified Gandy fertilizer applicator, equipped with a programmable control system, demonstrated accurate distribution of copper sulfate crystals along pond margins at various speeds. Granular copper sulfate was effective in killing snails along the pond margins at treatment rates between 1-3 ppm. The innovative system offers a practical, single-pass solution to combat trematode infestations in catfish ponds and minimizes logistical challenges associated with multiple applications.
Recommended Citation
Wise, Kevin Charles, "Development of an automated delivery system to apply copper sulfate crystals using precision dry fertilizer application technology" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 5985.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5985
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Bioelectrical and Neuroengineering Commons, Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons