Natutec Drone combines more than 50 years’ experience in the production of biologicals, with extensive R&D knowledge and experience in the field, to produce a high-tech dispersal mechanism that transports vulnerable beneficial organisms to disperse them accurately where they are needed. The Natutec Drone will initially be available in the U.S. where it has been tested. More countries are likely to follow once the necessary adaptations for local conditions have been carried out and tested.
The complete system (drone and dispersion system) weighs 15 kg/33 lbs and has a wingspan of 1.5 metres/4.9 feet. The Natutec Drone can carry loads of up to 13 litres. For mite and thrips control can now be dispersed with the Natutec (field tested): Spidex - Phytoseiulus persimilis. For spider mite and thrips (tested and based on field trials): Spical - Neoseiulus californicus, Swirski - Amblyseius swirskii, Thripex - Neoseiulus cucumeris, Limonica - Amblydromalus limonicus, Cryptobug-L - Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Chrysopa - Chrysoperla carnea
The drone can reach areas that may be difficult to access on the ground – such as elevated areas or wet ground conditions.
Koppert’s drone pilots are specifically trained to work with the vulnerable beneficials and the unique dispersal system. Two controllers keep the Natutec Drone stable and you can follow its progress in the crop visually via iPad or laptop.
Trials have been conducted with the release system using drones for biocontrol in outdoor strawberries. “Using the Natutec Drone for biocontrol applications ensures a more uniform dispersal due to the programmed flight patterns”, says Koppert’s IPM Consultant and Account Manager, in the US, Chrissie Davis. “Plus, growers using Natutec Drone are able to cut labor costs and time associated with manual biocontrol dispersal. An added advantage of the drone is also that the drone can disperse beneficial insects even after heavy rains or irrigation.”
The drone system disperses beneficial organisms over 8 hectares (20 acres) per hour.
Instruction materials, information videos, and a checklist. We are also considering creating an app.
Mail to: tvroegop@koppert.nl
The work is undertaken by trained drone pilots.
Accurate dispersal of vulnerable organisms by an advanced aerial dispersal system. Aerial dispersal shortens the time the beneficial organisms need to establish itself in the ecosystem and do their work in the crop
