Comparative analysis of aerial and ground-based spraying techniques: coverage efficiency in vineyards

This study reports the results of canopy spray coverage in vineyards using an uncrewed aerial spray system (UASS) equipped with a customized spray system for a targeted band application. Two application rates at two vine growth stages were compared. An airblast sprayer was also tested at the same growth stages and these data were used as a reference. Results showed that, increasing the UASS application rate, generally resulted in enhanced (+41.7% on average) canopy spray coverages. With respect to the UASS, the airblast sprayer resulted always in higher coverage values (about +70%). Despite this, the UASS achieved higher spray coverages in the uppermost canopy zones but difficulties with canopy penetration were observed. Furthermore, in any case, suboptimal spray coverage values for fungal disease protection were obtained for the UASS. Findings emphasized the need for technical improvements and optimised crop protection strategies for UASSs