Pollination by drones: an alternative for cherry production

12 Mar 2025
1197

Climate change has altered the natural pollination cycles, affecting key crops. To tackle this challenge, in August 2021, the project "Design, development, and commercial validation of artificial pollination technology for orchards using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)" was launched, supported by the FIA (Foundation for Agricultural Innovation) and developed by the Montefrutal Innovation Center (CIM) of Abud & Cía.

In this way, pollination drones emerge as an innovative solution to complement the work of bees and improve production in orchards of self-fertile varieties. 

These plantations require pollen from another compatible variety to produce fruit, making the intervention of pollinators and agents such as bees essential to transfer pollen between flowers. However, if the flowering of these varieties does not coincide with that of their pollinators, fruit production is compromised.

The main challenge of the project was to develop a pollination technique that complements traditional methods and is adapted to the conditions of Chilean fruit farming. 

To achieve this goal, the team conducted an extensive process of design and optimization of the pollination kit via drone, along with multiple field tests and technical adjustments to ensure proper pollen dilution and application, as well as an appropriate weight for the device.

Therefore, drone-assisted pollination is proving to be a promising alternative to enhance production efficiency in cherry orchards and to address the challenges of climate change in national fruit farming.

Innovation and technology

The regional representative of FIA in Maule, Robert Giovanetti, stated that "this project is a clear example of how innovation and technology can provide concrete solutions to the challenges faced by fruit farming. 

Drone-assisted pollination can be complementary to bee pollination, especially during critical moments of the production cycle. At FIA, we continue to support initiatives that enhance efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector, promoting the development of tools that enable producers to adapt to an ever-evolving environment.

For his part, Luis Ahumada, director of the Montefrutal Innovation Center (CIM), explained that “since 2017, thanks to funding and support from the FIA agency, we have worked on various projects and studies that have allowed us to develop better tools for fruit farming. This support, combined with the professional work of our team, has been fundamental in positioning us as a reference point in research and development of technologies applicable to the fruit industry, significantly contributing to the progress and sustainability of the sector.”

Source: Mundo Agropecuario

Photo source: Mundo Agropecuario; SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

South Africa: good omens for the new season despite the cold weather

Production

26 Nov 2024

Despite the frost heavily affecting the early cherry varieties, cherry growers remain optimistic about the overall quality of this season's harvest and the promising opportunities available in both local and international markets.

Chilean exports to the USA on the rise: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association estimates +22% increase

Markets Press review

16 Nov 2023

Brux stated that Chile could reach 140 million crates by 2025/26. China, Chile's main market, absorbs 89% of the total harvest. US exports are also growing, with volumes rising from 1.4 (2020/21) to 3.6 million in 2022/23.

In evidenza

Cherry trees at risk: humidity and heat raise threat of fungal diseases

Crop protection

30 Oct 2025

Current weather conditions with high humidity and rising temperatures are favoring the spread of Botrytis and Alternaria in cherry trees. INIA is developing early detection sensors and smart predictive platforms to protect fruit bound for export markets.

Energy use and sustainability in cherry production in Konya, Turkey

Production

30 Oct 2025

A study from Turkey’s Konya province examines energy use and environmental impact in cherry farming, highlighting renewable energy adoption and strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in the cherry sector for a more sustainable agricultural production model.

Tag Popolari