Fly4IPM – The use of unmanned aerial vehicles for precise application of pesticides, biostimulants and biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management (V4-2428)
Project description
Drones are increasingly being used worldwide for the application of plant protection products (PPPs) in agricultural production. Rapid advances and improvements in design and technology, including durability, payload capacity and specialised application equipment, together with the development of legislation in this field, are enabling the increasingly widespread use of this technology in many countries.
However, unlike aircraft, where safety is by far the most important consideration, the use of drones for PPP application involves a much broader range of expectations and requirements, from the effectiveness of controlling harmful organisms to various environmental impacts.
Project objectives
The main objective of the project is to evaluate the suitability of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the application of plant protection products (PPPs). The specific objectives are:
- To prepare technical specifications for unmanned aerial vehicles.
- To prepare recommendations regarding the suitability of crops and harmful organisms for PPP application using unmanned aerial vehicles.
- To develop proposals for improvements to legislation.
- To prepare a training programme for unmanned aerial vehicle pilots.
- To test the effectiveness of PPP application using unmanned aerial vehicles.
- To test the effectiveness of applying low-risk products and beneficial organisms using unmanned aerial vehicles.
- To prepare guidelines and examples of best practice for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
- To ensure effective communication and dissemination of project results to key stakeholders.
Partnership
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (lead partner)
- University of Maribor – Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing