In protected-cropping conditions, autonomous drones might be an excellent tool for pollination tomatoes and strawberries.
A recent research is looking into the approach as a possible replacement for hand applications.
The A$1.3m research initiative, delivered by grower-owned Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) with funding from Singaporean technology service provider Polybee, Western Sydney University, and Australian Producer Perfection Fresh, seeks to increase production efficiency.
“Pollinating self-fertile crops like strawberries and tomatoes in protected cropping areas may be labour expensive and time consuming,” Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield stated.
“The goal of this new study is to eliminate the requirement for hand pollination while boosting fruit set uniformity and yield.”
Western Sydney University and Perfection Fresh farms in South Australia will perform trials in protected agricultural situations.
Polybee’s micro-drones may hover over flower clusters for up to 15 seconds. The theory is that the drones’ turbulent air will shake the blossoms, dispersing pollen.
“Our drones have been created for usage in protected cropping areas with sub-centimetre accuracy positioning,” stated Siddharth Jadhav, CEO of Polybee. “Each makes use of 3D vision methods for accuracy, self-docking, and wireless charging.”
Taso Kourou of Perfection Fresh believes the micro-drone approach might be a “game changer” for the industry.
“As production advances into more protected locations, a pollination solution that would lessen our reliance on human pollination, boost output, and assist give a more uniform fruit set would be useful,” Kourou added.