The Agri.Builders Pherodrone is revolutionizing pest control in agriculture by combining drone technology with eco-friendly pheromone-based pest management. This innovative system deploys hormone-releasing rings via drones, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides while protecting crops and preserving beneficial insects. Designed for ease of use and environmental responsibility, the Pherodrone represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture.
By utilizing pheromones to disrupt pest mating cycles, the Pherodrone minimizes the need for harmful chemicals, reducing the ecological footprint of farming operations. This approach not only protects crops but also safeguards beneficial insects and pollinators, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. The system's automated flight planning and precise deployment capabilities ensure efficient and effective pest management, saving farmers time and resources.
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone is particularly well-suited for almond, walnut, chestnut, and apple orchards, providing targeted pest control that is both environmentally sound and economically viable. Its key-in-hand service includes software and pheromone dispensing, making it a comprehensive solution for sustainable pest management.
Key Features
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone offers a range of features designed to provide effective and sustainable pest control. Its core function is the deployment of pheromone-releasing rings via a DJI M200 series drone, disrupting pest mating cycles and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This eco-friendly approach protects crops while minimizing harm to the environment.
The system's precision placement system, guided by GPS, ensures that the pheromone rings are deployed accurately, maximizing their effectiveness. Each ring covers approximately 10,000 square meters, and the drone can carry up to 60 rings per flight, allowing for efficient coverage of large areas. The use of 3D-printed attachments, made from durable ABS plastic, ensures reliable ring dispensing during flight.
Automated flight planning and execution simplify the pest control process, allowing farmers to easily schedule and manage drone flights. The system's weather-resistant design ensures durability and reliable performance in various outdoor conditions. By eliminating the need for chemical pesticides, the Agri.Builders Pherodrone promotes environmentally friendly farming practices and supports the production of organic crops.
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone system is designed for ease of integration into existing farm operations. It is particularly well-suited for almond orchard protection, providing targeted pest control that is both environmentally sound and economically viable. The key-in-hand service includes software and pheromone dispensing, making it a comprehensive solution for sustainable pest management.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Drone Model | DJI M200 series |
| Printing Technology | BCN3D Epsilon W27 with Smart Cabinet |
| Material for Drone Attachments | PLA (prototyping), ABS (structural) |
| Ring Weight | 10 grams |
| Ring Coverage Area | 100x100 meters |
| Operational Capacity | Up to 60 rings per flight |
| Application Season | April, May, June |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| UV Resistance | Yes |
| Mechanical Resistance | High |
| Impact Resistance | High |
Use Cases & Applications
- Almond Orchard Pest Control: An almond farmer uses the Agri.Builders Pherodrone to deploy pheromone rings in their orchard during April and May. The rings disrupt the mating cycle of navel orangeworm moths, a major pest for almond crops, reducing crop damage and improving yield.
- Walnut Orchard Management: A walnut grower utilizes the Pherodrone to control codling moths in their orchard. By deploying pheromone rings, they reduce the need for chemical insecticides, protecting the quality of their walnuts and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Apple Orchard Protection: An apple orchard owner employs the Pherodrone to manage apple moths. The drone deploys pheromone rings strategically throughout the orchard, disrupting the moth's mating cycle and minimizing damage to the apple crop.
- Organic Farming: A farmer practicing organic farming uses the Agri.Builders Pherodrone as a key component of their pest management strategy. By using pheromone-based pest control instead of chemical pesticides, they maintain their organic certification and produce high-value crops.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Eco-friendly pest control: Reduces pesticide use, benefiting the environment and human health. | Limited crop applicability: Primarily suited for almond, walnut, chestnut and apple orchards. |
| Precise pheromone deployment: GPS-guided system ensures accurate ring placement for maximum effectiveness. | Seasonal application: Most effective during specific mating seasons (April-June). |
| Automated operation: Simplifies pest management with automated flight planning and execution, saving time and labor. | Initial investment: Requires an initial investment in the drone system and pheromone rings. |
| Supports organic farming: Enables farmers to maintain organic certifications by avoiding chemical pesticides. | Ring Replenishment: Pheromone rings need to be replenished, creating ongoing costs. |
| Key in hand service: Includes software and pheromone dispensing, offering a complete solution. | Weather Dependency: Strong winds or heavy rain may affect drone flight and ring placement. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone offers several key benefits for farmers. It reduces the need for chemical pesticides, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental impact. The system's precise pheromone deployment improves crop yields by effectively disrupting pest mating cycles. Automated operation saves time and labor, allowing farmers to focus on other aspects of their operations. By supporting organic farming practices, the Pherodrone can increase the market value of crops and improve farm sustainability.
Integration & Compatibility
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone can be integrated into existing farm operations with minimal disruption. The system is compatible with standard farm management software for data logging and analysis. The drone's GPS data can be used to create detailed maps of pheromone ring placement, allowing for precise monitoring of pest control effectiveness. The system is designed to work seamlessly with other precision agriculture tools and technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Agri.Builders Pherodrone deploys pheromone-releasing rings in orchards using a drone. These rings disrupt the mating cycles of pests by releasing synthetic pheromones, reducing pest populations without the use of harmful chemical pesticides. The drone uses GPS to ensure precise placement of the rings. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The Agri.Builders Pherodrone offers a significant ROI through reduced pesticide costs, improved crop yields due to lower pest damage, and reduced labor costs associated with traditional spraying methods. Additionally, it supports organic farming practices, which can increase the market value of your crops. |
| What setup is required? | The Agri.Builders Pherodrone system includes the drone, 3D-printed attachments, pheromone rings, and flight planning software. Initial setup involves calibrating the drone, loading the pheromone rings, and creating a flight plan using the provided software. Agri Builders offers a key in hand service including software and pheromone dispensing. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Regular maintenance includes cleaning the drone, inspecting the 3D-printed attachments for wear and tear, and ensuring the drone's software is up to date. The pheromone rings need to be replenished as needed, typically every few months, depending on pest pressure and environmental conditions. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, Agri.Builders provides training on drone operation, flight planning, and pheromone ring deployment. The training ensures users can safely and effectively use the system to achieve optimal pest control results. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The Agri.Builders Pherodrone system can integrate with existing farm management software for data logging and analysis. The drone's GPS data can be used to create detailed maps of pheromone ring placement, allowing for precise monitoring of pest control effectiveness. |
Pricing & Availability
Comparable agricultural spraying drones are listed around 13,000 EUR. Pricing for the Agri.Builders Pherodrone is affected by configuration options and regional availability. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
Support & Training
Agri.Builders provides comprehensive support and training for the Pherodrone system. Training includes drone operation, flight planning, and pheromone ring deployment. Ongoing support is available to address any questions or issues that may arise. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
