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Title: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in pest management: Progress in the development of a UAV-deployed mating disruption system for Wisconsin cranberries

Author
item Steffan, Shawn
item LUCK, BRIAN - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Cranberry Crop Management Newsletter
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2015
Publication Date: 10/30/2015
Citation: Steffan, S., Luck, B. 2015. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in pest management: Progress in the development of a UAV-deployed mating disruption system for Wisconsin cranberries. Cranberry Crop Management Newsletter. XXVIII(X):1-2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a powerful new tool for agriculture. Currently, UAVs are used almost exclusively as crop reconnaissance devices (“eyes in the sky”), not as pest control delivery systems. Research in Wisconsin cranberries is taking UAVs in a new direction. The Steffan and Luck Laboratories are working to convert UAVs into delivery systems for pest control products. Specifically, this research collaboration is looking to build upon the successes of the Wisconsin mating disruption program by retrofitting UAVs to fly over marshes and deliver SPLAT® (ISCA Technologies, Inc., Riverside, CA). This work represents a significant new application of UAV technology, and should re-frame how UAVs can be used in agriculture.