Chapter 5 - Unmanned aerial systems applications in orchards and vineyards

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in precision agriculture, particularly for fruit tree growth management. The use of UAVs in agriculture is becoming increasingly popular as it can provide detailed and accurate information on fruit crop health and resource use, while reducing labor and increasing yields. UAV technology has the potential to transform agricultural monitoring, mapping and application techniques by providing faster, safer, and cheaper ways to collect large amounts of data and track the development and dynamics of tree growth and structure over time. The chapter also looks at the use of drones for pest control and irrigation efficiency, as well as for yield forecasting and selective harvesting. It also discusses the importance of flight planning. Overall, drones have the potential to improve decision-making in orchard and vineyard management, although constraints such as limited flight time and weather conditions need to be considered.