The Role for Drones in Future Aerial Pesticide Applications

Abstract

Aircraft have been used to apply pesticides for decades, but their use has been largely confined to spraying crops grown on very large fields, mostly in north, central and south America. Aerial spraying has also been vital in controlling locust swarms spread over vast areas. The development of unmanned aircraft, known as drones, has benefitted smallscale farmers as the drone can be controlled effectively over specific areas. Drones have also benefitted vector control by detecting the breeding sites of mosquitoes, which can be sprayed subsequently with larvicides, or controlled by applying space sprays. Smaller drones are an important way of replacing ground methods in difficult to reach areas such as wetlands, steep terrain for vineyards, and small areas of trees.