Operational Parameters for the Aerial Release of Sterile Codling Moths Using an Uncrewed Aircraft System.

Evan D Esch,Rachael M Horner,Nathan Moses-Gonzales,Melissa R Tesche,David Maxwell Suckling,Dustin C Krompetz

doi:10.3390/insects12020159

Abstract

Simple SummaryPest management through the release of sterile codling moths from drones or uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents an efficient method for distribution over orchards. In this study, moths released from greater altitudes were more broadly distributed and drifted more in strong winds compared to those released from lower altitudes. Most of the released insects were recaptured in a 50 m wide swath under the release route. Recapture rates from aerially released insects were 40–70% higher compared to those released from the ground. We found that an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) releasing insects from 35 m above the ground in release routes 50 m apart outperformed standard ground release methods. UASs provide a promising alternative to ground release and conventional aircraft for the release of sterile codling moths.The codling moth is a serious pest of apples in most regions of the world where this fruit is produced. The sterile insect technique is one strategy used to control this pest and is employed as part of an area-wide integrated pest management program for the codling moth in British Columbia, Canada. Modified fixed wing aircraft are the most common method for the release of sterile insects in large area-wide pest management programs. However, aerial release with a full-size aircraft can be prohibitively expensive. We evaluated the use of small, uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) for the release of sterile codling moths. Sterile codling moths released from greater altitudes were more broadly distributed and drifted more in strong winds, compared to those released from lower altitudes. Most of the released insects were recaptured in a 50 m wide swath under the release route. Recapture rates for aerially released insects were 40–70% higher compared to those released from the ground. UASs provide a promising alternative to ground release and conventional aircraft for the release of sterile codling moths.

Highlights

IntroductionApples are among the most abundantly produced fruits all over the world, with upwards of 50 Mt produced annually [1]
Further characterization of any moth quality improvement might be warranted, especially if there are increased costs associated with aerial release. These experiments demonstrated that uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) can be used to deliver sterile codling moths to an orchard
When moths were released from 25 m above ground, 80% of the recaptured moths were collected in a 50 m wide swath beneath the release route

Summary

Introduction

Apples are among the most abundantly produced fruits all over the world, with upwards of 50 Mt produced annually [1]. The codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) is a key pest of apples in most regions of the world where this fruit is grown [2], including the valleys of the Southern Interior of British Columbia (BC), Canada [3]. This pest had established itself as a serious pest in the Okanagan and surrounding valleys by 1916, at which time its populations were managed with lead arsenate insecticide [4]. Lead arsenate was later replaced by organochlorine insecticides, and while the economic losses

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