Feasibility of the plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle for controlling tobacco bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and the effect of adjuvant Beidatong

In order to evaluate the feasibility of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for tobacco protection against diseases and insects, the field control efficacy of 5% emamectin benzoate water-dispersible granules (WG) spraying by multi-rotor UAV and knapsack electric sprayer against tobacco bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were compared and the effect of adjuvant Beidatong on control efficacy was analyzed. The results showed that the control efficacy of 5% abamectin benzoate WG applied by UAV against H. armigera was gradually increased from 1 day to 7 days after application. Seven days after application, the control efficacies were 71.31%, 64.00%, and 93.93% at dosages 60, 75, and 90 g/hm², respectively. However, the control efficacy of 5% abamectin benzoate WG applied by UAV could be improved from 64.00% to 92.59% at a dosage of 75 g/hm² by the addition of 10 mL/L spray adjuvant. The control efficacy of application by knapsack electric sprayer was 94.30% at a dosage of 75 g/hm². These results indicated that the knapsack electric sprayer has better control efficacy on H. armigera than the multi-rotor plant protection UAV at the same application dosage (75 g/hm²). UAV spraying could achieve a similar efficacy as the knapsack sprayer by the addition of 10 mL/L adjuvant Beidatong or a 20% dosage increase. The research results provide support and reference for further improving the application technology of UAVs to control tobacco pests and speeding up the promoted application of UAVs in tobacco plant protection.