Spraying drones on cherry trees in Michigan (USA): targeted defence and high precision

04 Apr 2025
1043

From the skies above the orchards of Michigan comes a high-tech ally for the protection of crops: the spraying drone. Confirming the sector's growing interest was the drone-focused symposium held last December during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, where Mike Reinke – a viticulture specialist from Michigan State University (MSU) – shared the latest developments on this rapidly evolving technology.

Reinke, who began testing drones in 2022 for the application of crop protection products on grapes and specialty fruit, now works with advanced models like the XAG P100 Pro, provided on loan by Pegasus Robotics, the U.S. distributor of the Chinese manufacturer of the same name. His trials, funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Michigan State Horticultural Society, and the Michigan Cherry Committee, show promising results: the effectiveness of drones proved to be equal to that of traditional sprayers, both in vineyards and orchards.

“There are no substantial differences in disease and insect control,” Reinke explained.

Fast, autonomous and precise

The drones used range from 1 to 3 meters in wingspan, with a payload capacity of up to 200 pounds (over 90 kg) and tanks that can hold up to 68 liters of liquid. The P100 Pro, for example, has a 57-liter capacity. The latest models are equipped with rotary atomizers, allowing operators to adjust droplet size and flow without changing nozzles, offering greater flexibility than older versions.

Fully autonomous in flight, the drones follow preprogrammed routes, allowing operators to focus more on planning than on navigation.

A field comparison

In 2024, during a trial conducted at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, it was found that a tractor took 5.2 hours to perform eight pesticide applications on a 2.5-acre field. A drone performed the same function in 3.4 hours. An operational efficiency that could make all the difference, especially at the end of the season or for localised interventions.

In collaboration with entomologist Rufus Isaacs, Reinke also tested the effectiveness of drones in controlling the grape berry moth. This lepidopteran, particularly active close to harvest, tends to invade vineyards from the edges. Using drones for perimeter treatments showed effective results in preventing the pest's entry, offering a practical solution without the need to reactivate heavy equipment.

A potential yet to be explored

Even in cherry, pear, and apple orchards, drones are attracting the attention of researchers. Emily Lavely, an arboriculture educator at MSU, conducted demonstrations on variable-density plantings at the West Central Michigan experiment station. According to Lavely, drones can be ideal for targeted applications, especially where tall canopies make ground-based interventions difficult.

During 2025, a new project will involve the use of drones for the targeted treatment of tart cherry, focusing on the upper part of the canopy where initial infections of cherry leaf spot (cylindrosporiosis) develop, which are difficult to reach with traditional sprayers.

Conclusion

Spraying drones are not yet a full replacement for ground sprayers, but they are establishing themselves as a strategic tool for precision agriculture, with clear advantages in terms of speed, accessibility, and versatility. The current challenge is to optimize operational protocols, ensure economic efficiency, and train operators. But one thing is certain: agriculture is reaching new heights.

Text and image: goodfruit.com


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Impact of GA3 application on sweet cherry fruit development

Quality

21 Oct 2024

An English study tested the application of gibberellic acid on sweet cherry trees for fruit development. GA3 is known for its ability to induce parthenocarpy, the formation of seedless fruits, in various plant species. However, effectiveness varies depending on the species.

The differences between modern 2D and 3D cherry training systems

Planting systems

19 May 2023

In this video, Prof. Lang illustrates the differences between modern 2D and 3D cherry training systems, highlighting the importance of the correct choice of variety and rootstock depending on the training form adopted.

In evidenza

Sweet cherries: choosing the best rootstock for fruit quality, yield and sustainability

Planting systems

03 Oct 2025

Rootstock selection in high-density cherry orchards affects tree vigour, fruit size, biochemical quality and postharvest resistance. A Turkish study on Krymsk 5, Gisela 6 and Piku 1 with 0900 Ziraat and Regina cultivars identifies ideal combinations for various markets.

Chilean cherries ready to grow in Southeast Asia: Thailand a key market

Markets

03 Oct 2025

Chilean cherries strengthen their footprint in Southeast Asia: over 2,200 tons exported to Thailand and new market openings in Vietnam and Indonesia. ProChile’s ASEAN mission also paves the way for kiwifruit, blueberries and citrus, boosting Chile’s fruit diversification strategy

Tag Popolari