Speaker Spotlight: Crop Protection Takes Flight
- ontariopmc
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
LAST WEEK TO REGISTER! Don't miss the Ontario Pest Management Conference on October 24th where we'll explore innovative drone use for pest management. Secure your spot by registering in advance!
Meet Plenary Speaker #2 - Dr Michael Reinke
Dr Michael Reinke is the Viticulture Specialist for Michigan State University Extension, based at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center located in the heart of Michigan’s largest grape production area. He has been helping producers in various fruit and vegetable production systems for 25 years.
His PhD in entomology and his predilection for new tools and techniques have converged into an interest in new pesticide application systems. He has been evaluating and developing new sprayer systems for the last 6 years at Michigan State University with a particular interest in application drones.
Mike has become one of the leading authorities in North America on application drone use in fruit production systems; regularly evaluating their capabilities, developing new hardware to improve applications, and assisting private drone users and commercial applicators.
Application Drones: A New Tool for Modern Pest Management Strategies
Application drones are becoming more widely recognized around the world as viable new alternatives to traditional pesticide application systems. The unique combination of aerial application, remote operation, and rotating liquid atomizer release systems has resulted in unprecedented adaptability from this technology. A standard drone with no modifications is capable of targeted pesticide applications in remote locations, broad pest management programs in agricultural systems, and spot applications against invasive species in municipal situations. This unique adaptability brings with it unique challenges. An application drone user is confronted with more variables that can be adjusted more readily than has been possible with previous application systems. A drone pilot can adjust drone height, speed, swath width, application flow rate, droplet size, and flight direction in real time; all of which can affect the quality of a product application. Knowledge of how these variables can affect applications and product efficacy is extremely important when setting a drone up for an effective application. This presentation will discuss some of the more challenging variables. Application drones will also be compared to traditional application systems by sharing results from two years of season-long pest management efficacy programs performed in grape production systems in the United States.
Check out Michael's acting abilities in Exploding Sprayer Myths - Episode 14 where they talk best practices in the emerging world of drone spraying.
Interested? Register Now!
For the full program, click here.