Main national projects

PRIN 2022 PNRR announcement, Project "3E-UAVspray - Operative solutions for efficient, effective and environmental-friendly UAV-spray applications in vineyards".
Project code "P2022SS9TF" CUP "D53D23022050001"
Funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the European Union (EU) regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide application technology. This interest stems from the strategic potential of UAVs, particularly in steep slope vineyards where conventional pesticide applications are carried out manually (e.g., knapsack sprayers, hand-held lances) or, where feasible, with ground-based sprayers. These conventional methods pose risks to both operators, due to high exposure to pesticides, and the environment.

Given the challenges associated with conventional techniques in difficult landscape scenarios and farmers’ increasing interest in UAVs as an alternative, it is crucial to define and optimize specific UAV operations and configurations to effectively and efficiently utilize this technology. While previous activities related to UAV pesticide applications in vineyards have been documented in the literature, there remains limited information on the biological efficacy of these systems in viticulture.

In response to this need, the 3E-UAVspray project, led by Torino University and involving DISAFA – Agricultural Engineering Unit under the supervision of Marco Grella, as well as two departments (DISTAS and DIPROVES) of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Piacenza branch under the supervision of Nicoleta Alina Suciu, aims to explore and define the optimal spray program for UAV application in vineyards located in steep slope landscapes. Through a holistic approach, the project seeks to address key challenges and optimize pesticide application techniques using UAVs to ensure effective and environmentally sustainable pest management practices in viticulture.

For more information visit the website of the 3E-UAVspray projet

DANTE: Valutazione dell'efficacia dei Droni per il monitoraggio e la difesA della vite dall'iNsetto di quarantTena prioritario popilia japonica nEwmann
(Evaluation of the effectiveness of drones for monitoring and defense of vineyards against the insect Popilia japonica Newman)

Two-year project funded by the Piemonte Region and coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Torino with partners, the Consorzio di Tutela Nebbioli dell’alto Piemonte (CTNAP) and DISAFA Agricultural Engineering research group (Crop Protection Technology and Mechatronics Labs).

Among the activities planned in the project are:

– Multi-temporal monitoring of insect density using drones and verification through manual field acquisition;

– Localized distribution using drones (and comparison with traditional distribution with air-assisted sprayer);

– Assessment of ground losses, bystander exposure, and potential deposition using drone with different operational settings.

Design and development of prototypes

Here are some of the prototypes and innovative distribution systems that the Crop Protection Technology Research Group, in collaboration with sprayer and component manufacturers, has designed and developed over the years:

Electronic direct pesticide injection system for sprayer booms (in cooperation with Unigreen spa);
sprayer able to adjust distribution to the size and vegetative characteristics of the vineyard (in collaboration with Cima spa);
sprayer able to adjust spraying according to the slope of the ground (in collaboration with Dragone Ltd.);
sprayer able to adjust spraying according to the presence and size of the plant to be treated (European project ISAFRUIT);
GPS-controlled automatic system able to optime headland distribution (in collaboration with 3B6);
prototype of an air assisted sprayer able to spraying actinidia trees raised in double arbor by directly spraying the under crown as well (in collaboration with Nobili spa);
device for optimizing the airflow produced by axial fans (in collaboration with Nobili spa);
prototypes of self-propelled sprayers for the distribution of plant protection products to protected crops with the operator always outside the tunnel or greenhouse (in collaboration with Unigreen spa and Abbà snc);
operating machine for mechanical (between plants or stakes) and chemical (at the plant) weeding in the vineyard sub-row (in cooperation with Dragone Ltd);
Transportable test benches for adjustment of sprayers in use (in cooperation with AAMS Salvarani);
test bench for evaluation of potential drift produced by sprayer booms and throw of air assisted sprayers (in collaboration with AAMS Salvarani);
Development of a simple, effective and sustainable system for managing wastewater from phytosanitary treatment (in collaboration with Ecomembrane srl and Up to Farm srl);
Development of a pneumatic pulverization system with an anti-drift dispenser (in collaboration with Cima spa);
Prototype vineyard machine for mechanical control of Popilia japonica (in collaboration with Dragone srl);
Development of a “smart sprayer” integrated into a DSS system + system for early disease diagnosis + synthetic and biological plant protection products (in collaboration with Caffini spa – European LIFE project “OPTIMA“);
Realization of a prototype sprayer with automatic distribution management (in collaboration with Tecnovict srl) and collaboration in the implementation of a smartphone app that will provide informations for the best setting of the sprayer machine (NoviAgri Regional Project).

Prototype Gallery

sprayer for runner bean

Special distribution system for strawberry

Optimized fan

System to adapt spray profile to the size trees

Self propelled sprayer for covered crops

mechanical weed control

Basic research and field experimentation

These activities have been and are financed both by Public Bodies (Region, Ministry of Research, etc.) and by Private entities through consultancy contracts (sprayer and component manufacturers, PPP producers, etc.), and have focused or are focusing particularly on:

Improving the pesticides distribution to field crops, tree crops, and covered crops with particular reference to the correct choice of operational parameters (sprayed volume, forward speed, airspeed generated by the fan, working pressure, etc.);
Solutions for drift reduction;
Operator and bystander safety and environmental safety;
Proper management of phytosanitary treatment effluents (washing water from the sprayer machine and empty containers, residue in the tank at the end of treatment, etc.);
Chemical and mechanical weed control in arboreal crops;
Verification of the relationship between distribution volume and Leaf Wall Area in vineyards;
Verification of the distribution of the sprayed mixture between the target, ground losses, and losses beyond the row (spray mass balance): field and indoor evaluations;
Evaluation of different technical solutions for reducing the dispersion of seed coating dust by pneumatic seeders;
Evaluation of different external washing methods for sprayer machines (nozzle type, pressure, detergent type);
Evaluation of wear of different types of nozzles;
Verification of the possibility of using drones for the pesticides distribution on 3D crops;
Development and field verification of a fixed-point system for the pesticides distribution in vineyards;
Evaluation of the effect of stress caused by air assisted sprayers on the vitality of microorganisms (especially nematodes) acting as biological control agents.