Innovative Technologies in the Biologization of Agriculture: A Mounted Device for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for the Use of Entomophages in Hard-to-reach Places
Abstract
The reduction of synthetic pesticide use is an urgent priority due to their adverse impacts on human health, non-target organisms, and ecosystems. Entomophagous biological control offers an effective and environmentally benign alternative, but its large-scale adoption is constrained by labor-intensive release methods and the inaccessibility of flood-prone or obstructed terrain. Overcoming these technological barriers is essential for advancing sustainable crop protection. In this study, we designed, prototyped, and tested an automated UAV-based system for the aerial release of Trichogramma spp. encapsulated in biodegradable carriers. The device was developed through rapid prototyping with 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, and Raspberry Pi–driven GPS/GLONASS navigation integrated with a web-based control interface. Laboratory emergence assays confirmed 100% parasitoid emergence within six hours at 30 °C and within 24 hours at 25 °C, demonstrating that encapsulation and aerial release did not compromise biological viability. Field trials showed release accuracy within ±1 meter and identified three meters as the optimal drop height to minimize wind drift and rotor-induced turbulence. Capsule jamming, initially observed in ~10% of releases, was reduced to isolated cases following mechanical refinements. Economic assessment revealed that capsules can be produced at a cost of 31.75–36.25 KZT per unit, with designs optimized for stackability, low weight, and complete biodegradability. These findings establish the feasibility of UAV-integrated entomophage deployment as a scalable, cost-effective, and ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical pest management. By enabling precise and autonomous distribution of beneficial insects, this technology extends biological control to previously inaccessible areas, reduces labor demands, and provides a practical pathway for advancing biologized agriculture in Kazakhstan and beyond.