In South Australia, the Perfection Fresh farm in Two Wells is integrating drones into their tomato cultivation processes within their controlled glasshouse environments. This initiative is aimed at addressing the challenges of pollination, a critical aspect of tomato production, which is traditionally reliant on manual methods or the inconsistent effectiveness of bees in such enclosed settings. The farm, known for its scientific approach to agriculture, has initiated the use of drone technology to enhance the pollination process, where the turbulence generated by the drones' propellers aids in the efficient dispersal of pollen.
The global agriculture sector is increasingly adopting protected cultivation methods. However, pollination within these environments presents significant challenges, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions like drones. These devices not only offer a potential solution to labor shortages but also promise increased consistency and speed in pollination, alongside applications in crop forecasting and disease monitoring.
Following a successful trial funded by Hort Innovation, the use of drones for pollination in glasshouses has shown promising results, leading to further exploration and potential adoption in the industry. The technology, characterized by its ease of use and minimal training requirement for operators, represents a significant advancement in addressing the pollination challenge in protected agriculture settings.
Source: eco-business.com