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

Insects

Nathan Moses-Gonzales¹  Dustin C. Krompetz¹  Evan D. Esch²  Melissa R. Tesche²  David Maxwell Suckling³  Rachael M. Horner³ 

[1] M3 Consulting Group Ltd., Dayton, OH 45068, USA;Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board, Kelowna, BC VIW 3Z4, Canada;The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 8140 Christchurch, New Zealand;

关键词: sterile insect technique;    Cydia pomonella;    release method;    uncrewed aircraft system;    codling moth;    drone;   

DOI  :  10.3390/insects12020159

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown