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

ABSTRACT: 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 t

SUBMITTER: Esch ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7918654 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature