Aerial Systems for Releasing Natural Enemy Insects of Purple Loosestrife Using Drones
<i>Lythrum salicaria</i> (purple loosestrife) is an invasive species that displaces native wetland flora in the USA. The detection and manual release of biological control agents for <i>L. salicaria</i> is challenging because <i>L. salicaria</i> inhabits many inac...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Drones |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/635 |
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| Summary: | <i>Lythrum salicaria</i> (purple loosestrife) is an invasive species that displaces native wetland flora in the USA. The detection and manual release of biological control agents for <i>L. salicaria</i> is challenging because <i>L. salicaria</i> inhabits many inaccessible areas. This study was conducted to develop aerial systems for the detection of <i>L. salicaria</i> and the release of its natural enemy, <i>Galerucella calmariensis</i> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). We determined the optimal sensors and flight height for the aerial detection of <i>L. salicaria</i> and designed an aerial deployment method for <i>G. calmariensis</i>. Drone-based aerial surveys were conducted at various flight heights utilizing RGB, multispectral, and thermal sensors. We also developed an insect container (i.e., bug ball) for the aerial deployment of <i>G. calmariensis</i>. Our findings indicated that <i>L. salicaria</i> flowers were detectable with an RGB sensor at flight heights ≤ 15 m above the canopy. The post-release mortality and feeding efficiency of <i>G. calmariensis</i> did not significantly differ from the control group (non-aerial release), indicating the feasibility of the targeted release of <i>G. calmariensis</i>. This innovative study establishes a critical foundation for the future development of sophisticated aerial systems designed for the automated detection of invasive plants and the precise release of biological control agents, significantly advancing ecological management and conservation efforts. |
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| ISSN: | 2504-446X |