Comparison of Droplet Deposition Control Efficacy on Phytophthora capsica and Aphids in the Processing Pepper Field of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Knapsack Sprayer

Qinggang Xiao,Sifeng Zhao,Lin Yang,Guobin Wang,Yubin Lan,Xiaoqiang Han,Rui Du,Guoqiang Zhang,Wei Fu

doi:10.3390/agronomy10020215

Abstract

Processing pepper planting and processing have become an important red pillar industry in Xinjiang. With the continuous growth of processing pepper planting areas in Xinjiang, diseases and pests are increasing year by year. The aim of this study was to compare the droplet deposition and control efficiency of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and electric air-pressure knapsack (EAP) sprayers on a processing pepper field. The UAV sprayer had a poor droplet coverage rate, droplet density, and deposition uniformity, but displayed the best deposition (1.01 μg/cm2, which was 98% more than the EAP sprayer). The control efficacy of the UAV sprayer on processing pepper fields with Phytophthora capsici and aphids was slightly lower than that of the EAP sprayer. When the UAV sprayer was used to control processing pepper diseases and pests, it could reduce the pesticide dosage on the premise of ensuring the control effect. Further study of the residue of high concentration pesticides in pepper fruit and environment sprayed by UAVs are needed.

Highlights

Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), a member of the family, Solanaceae, are one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide [1]
The greatest deposition was achieved with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayer with 1.01 μg/cm2, which was 98% more than the electric air-pressure knapsack (EAP) sprayer (Figure 6A1)
UAV and EAP sprayers were used for pesticide applications in processing pepper

Summary

Introduction

Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), a member of the family, Solanaceae, are one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide [1]. Xinjiang is one of the main pepper-producing areas in China. Xinjiang has unique natural conditions that endow the dried pepper with early maturity and high quality. Peppers produced in Xinjiang have high popularity and market competitiveness in domestic and foreign markets [2]. The processing pepper industry, which produces dry peppers, sauce, capsaicin, capsanthin, and other special processing varieties, has sprung up in Xinjiang and rapidly developed, becoming a new industry of a characteristic economy.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion