agsci.psu.edu/">College of Agricultural Sciences is addressing the growing interest among tree fruit growers in Pennsylvania and the Northeast in adopting drone-based spraying systems for high-density apple and peach orchards. The Northeast Region of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recently awarded the team two grants to support the work.
"Many farmers are seeking alternatives to traditional air-blast sprayers, which experience frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies," said team leader Shanthanu Krishna Kumar, assistant professor of tree fruit. "A survey of growers last year revealed that 95% were eager to explore drone spraying technology, citing increased efficiency, labor savings and improved soil health as key benefits."
Pennsylvania ranks among the top producers of apples in the U.S., with over 14 million bushels harvested annually, highlighting the significance of efficient spraying in this sector, Kumar noted. He explained that growers like the ability of drones to spray at night, which offers advantages such as reduced wind speeds and lower risk to pollinators. Additionally, they see drone spraying as a more viable option for irregularly shaped and steep orchard sites that are less accessible to traditional equipment.
Despite the potential benefits, farmers have expressed concerns about drones maintaining optimal water volumes and spray coverage, as well as whether drone-applied growth-regulating chemicals crucial for managing crop loads in orchards will be as effective, Kumar added. The research team will focus on those aspects in the study.
"Farmers also seek more information on maintenance, troubleshooting and the cost-effectiveness of drone technology," Kumar said. "This project aims to bridge these knowledge gaps and support growers of all sizes, in adopting sustainable and efficient spraying."
