The use of drones for chemical control of the psyllid adds to efforts to combat greening, indicates research by Fundecitrus in partnership with the startup Anáhata Serviços Agronomicos.
The tool is ideal for complementing terrestrial applications and for emergency applications to be carried out quickly – in case of an insect population peak, for example, and operational difficulties in meeting the need with conventional (terrestrial) sprayers. The drone can also replace the plane on small and medium-sized properties and is a clean, battery-powered technology, without the burning of fossil fuel, which mitigates the risk of contamination for workers involved in the application.
Fundecitrus researcher Marcelo Miranda, responsible for the study, highlights that the alternative is an advance, combining science and technology, to control greening. “The use of drones is another option in managing the psyllid. The tool can complement ground spraying with tractors and replace airplanes in some situations, adding new possibilities to citrus growers,” he comments.
The work evaluated the control of the psyllid in orchards of different ages. “In general, we observed that the applications were effective in controlling adults of the insect, with mortality rates above 80%, mainly in the external part of the citrus tree canopy”, he says.
The technology is already validated and producers who want to use it can look for a specialized company to purchase a drone or rent the service.
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
After two years without the fair, the company hopes to take advantage of the market's enthusiasm to close new deals during the event
Analysis of precipitation data shows information that, together with data on the spatial variability of rainfall, can allow the implementation of strategic solutions to the problems of flooding, floods and landslides
