Drones are being used for various tasks in South Africa, from farming to crime fighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West uses drones to deliver beneficial inspectors to control pests in its vineyard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aim is to reduce vine disease and produce higher-quality grapes by ensuring that the current 20-25-year-old vineyards can stay healthy for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SkyBugs, which supplies the predatory bugs, and agritech company Aerobotics, which collaborates with a network of drone pilots to disperse the insects, ran the first drone dispersal on the estate last October. Depending on test results, five more dispersals should be concluded in Q1 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drone releases insects via a motor-driven mechanism equipped with a cartridge and a drawn-out plastic film, which releases the insects onto the vines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each flight covers 20 hectares, and a new battery and insect cartridge are inserted when the drone lands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The target of these tiny heroes is mealybugs, which spread a disease known as leaf roll virus. This disease is much more apparent in red wine cultivars but also affects white wine cultivars.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Leaf roll virus diminishes the quality and volume of the harvest, and eventually, the vines become uneconomic and must be uprooted \u2014 yet another burden for a sector already under severe financial constraints.” <\/p>\n\n\n
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