The war farmers continuously wage against vineyard pests might have taken a turn for the better using the latest technology – a drone. In California, vine growers are using remote-controlled helicopters to spray their vineyards with pesticide.
The RMAX Yamaha helicopter, which is pilot free and weighs just 657g, can carry 2.1 gallons of liquid and spray up to 0.8 hectares in six minutes without soil compaction or pilot risk.
Traditionally, the spraying of pesticides was done by tractor or hand spraying, but this new method offers flexibility with quick and very localised spraying. This method is particularly attractive to vineyards located on steep hills and mountainous terrain where tractors find it hard to navigate.
Yamaha has applied for authorisation from the US Federal Aviation Administration for use of their vehicles for agricultural purposes.