APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY WITH UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIGATOKA IN BANANA CULTIVATION
Name: MAICKEL LUCAS SCHAEFFER
Publication date: 02/09/2025
Advisor:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| EDNEY LEANDRO DA VITORIA | Advisor |
Examining board:
| Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| ADRIANO ALVES FERNANDES | Examinador Interno |
| EDNALDO MIRANDA DE OLIVEIRA | Examinador Externo |
| EDNEY LEANDRO DA VITORIA | Presidente |
| RYCHARDSON ROCHA DE ARAÚJO | Examinador Externo |
Summary: Banana farming is strategically important for Brazilian agribusiness, with Espírito Santo standing out as a key production hub. However, fungal leaf diseases such as Sigatoka spp. severely compromise productivity, requiring efficient chemical control. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) emerge as a promising alternative to traditional application methods, offering greater precision and lower environmental impact. This study aimed to define the optimal flight configurations (application rate and droplet size) for aerial spraying via RPA in 'Prata' banana plants, seeking to optimize droplet deposition and Sigatoka control. The experiment was conducted in Linhares, ES, using a randomized block design with five replications in a 4×3 factorial arrangement: four application rates (8, 10, 12, and 14 L ha¹) and three droplet sizes (180, 240, and 300 m), employing a DJI Agras T40 RPA at 4.5 m height and 20 km h¹. Deposition was assessed using water-sensitive papers and PVC tags, while disease control was evaluated using systemic fungicides (groups C2 and G1), applied monthly for three months, with weekly post-application monitoring following Stover’s methodology. Results showed that the 14 L ha¹ rate provided 120% greater coverage than 8 L ha¹, while 240 m and 300 m droplets performed similarly, surpassing 180 m droplets by 45%. The 8 L ha¹ rate resulted in 46.06% lower droplet density than 14 L ha¹, with 180 m and 240 m droplets producing 21.73 droplets cm² (55.7% higher than 300 m). Regarding drift potential, the combination of 12 L ha¹ with 300 m droplets showed the lowest Drift Risk Potential (DRP) and higher Dv0.1, indicating fewer ultra-fine droplets. The Volumetric Median Diameter (VMD) was directly influenced by nominal droplet size, with 12 L ha¹ + 300 m showing less than 14% variation, indicating greater stability and lower drift risk. The most efficient deposition was achieved with 10 L ha¹ + 240 m. For Sigatoka control, the treatments 14 L ha¹ + 300 m (77.2% relative efficacy), 8 L ha¹ + 300 m (74.6%), and 8 L ha¹ + 240 m (68.9%) stood out, maintaining consistent performance over time and ranking among the top five in integrated temporal efficacy. In conclusion, the interaction between operational parameters significantly influences application quality and disease control, with specific combinations optimizing coverage, deposition, and drift reduction.
