Photo by M3 Consulting Group LLC
OKSIR Drone
Scientists are constantly finding new ways to use drones in agriculture, but surely, this has to be the weirdest idea yet.
The Okanagan Sterile Insect Release program (OKSIR) is putting drones into the sky that essentially give birth to hundreds of sterilized coddling moths.
At present the sterilized insects are distributed in orchards using ATVs, but in the future, Okanagan growers may see fewer ATV’s in orchards and look to the sky as their sterile coddling moths flutter to earth by the hundreds.
The Okanagan Sterile Insect Release program is going into their third year of trials using the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones to release moths. It’s a coordinated research project between OKSIR, the US Department of Agriculture, New Zealand Plant and Food Research and M3 consulting.
“It turns out that UAVs are really good at releasing moths,” says Melissa Tesche, acting General Manager of OKSIR. “We know that we can cover up to 40 acres with a four to six minute flight.”
Aerial release of insects is not a new thing, Tesche adds. “It’s well accepted that it is a really good way to drop insects,” she notes. “They have been using Cessnas for large acreages in the US, and have been using drones for smaller targeted applications.”
New Zealand has been using drones to conduct sterile coddling moth release trials with OKSIR moths that are raised and shipped Down Under during our winter season.
Photo by M3 Consulting Group LLC
OKSIR ATV
Tesche says that the focus for this year will be to assess the logistics and try to determine some costs. “So we know that it works when we are just flying a few trials, but how will that work when we are trying to fly maximum acreage for the day?’ Tesche says. “What is the set up and take down time? What is the battery life and do we need multiple batteries to switch out? What will we do if it rains?”
Transport Canada have been interested in the project as it is an advancement in the commercial use of drones, but Tesche notes the technology tends to change faster than the regulations. Currently TC requires two staff for every flight, a pilot and spotter, and that all road crossings be flagged. “These are not requirements in the US where regulations have evolved more rapidly,” she points out.
There will always be places where ATV s are the only method for moth release, such as near commercial air space, Tesche notes. “But with larger acreages, or where properties are beside each other, that is where there are efficiencies to be gained using drones.”