Evaluation of the Physical Compatibility of Biopesticides and Chemical Pesticides for Drone Application

Abstract

Drone spraying technology has demonstrated significant potential in addressing the challenges associated with manual spraying in agriculture. Nevertheless, guaranteeing the physical compatibility of pesticide mixtures for use in drone applications is a vital consideration. The present study assessed the physical compatibility of various insecticide, fungicide, and biopesticide combinations using jar compatibility test at drone and taiwan sprayer doses during 2022. Eight insecticide-biopesticide combinations and six fungicide-biopesticide combinations were assessed, revealing no physical incompatibilities such as foaming or sedimentation. Specific combinations, including Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 0.5% with chlorantraniliprole 18.50% SC and tetraniliprole 200 SC, exhibited excellent physical stability without foaming or sedimentation. In contrast, combinations with flubendiamide 39.35% SC and cartap hydrochloride 50% SP showed minor foaming but remained within acceptable limits. pH analysis indicated that most pesticides and their combinations maintained a neutral reaction, except for cartap hydrochloride 50% SP, which displayed significant acidity, and a few combinations that showed slight pH shifts. These findings confirm the overall physical and chemical compatibility of the tested mixtures. Ensuring compatibility reduces the risk of clogging and malfunction of equipment, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability for agricultural applications.