Reviewed by Lexie CornerApr 9 2025
New research shows that RPAAS applications using low-drift nozzles at low spray volumes (1.0-1.5 gallons/acre) can achieve weed control levels similar to ground sprayer applications at 10 gallons/acre in turf.
Researchers at College Station, Texas, have shown that spray drones can effectively control crabgrass in turf using low-drift nozzles at low spray volumes. Image Credit: Ubaldo Torres, Texas A&M University.
The impact of nozzle type and application volume on the effectiveness of remotely piloted aerial application systems (RPAAS) for weed management was not well understood until recently.
With these research results, we can now provide turfgrass managers with some valuable guidelines on how to effectively manage weeds with remotely controlled, aerial drone spray technology using drift-reduction nozzles and low spray volumes. Overall, we found that RPAAS can be effectively used for site-specific herbicide applications in turf.
Muthukumar Bagavathiannan, PhD, Study Senior Corresponding Author, WSSA member-scientist and Professor, Texas A&M University
Augusto Costa, Ph.D., a researcher with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Algodão, Campina Grande), was the study’s first and co-corresponding author. The study, conducted in 2022, took place at two locations in College Station, Texas.
In collaboration with other researchers, Daniel Martin, Ph.D., from USDA-ARS, College Station, TX, provided expertise on aerial application technology for the study. The research examined three combinations of flat-fan nozzles—drift guard, air induction, and extended range—along with two low spray volumes applied using a single-nozzle RPAAS. A pressurized four-nozzle boom backpack sprayer was used as a comparison.
“Applications using the RPAAS with the drift guard and air induction nozzles at low application volumes provided similar weed control levels as from the backpack sprayer at relatively higher volume applications. As a result, we determined that RPAAS can work effectively for site-specific herbicide applications in turf,” Bagavathiannan concluded.
Journal Reference:
Costa, A. G. F. et al. (2025) Nozzle type and spray volume effects on site-specific herbicide application in turfgrass using a remotely piloted aerial application system. Weed Technology. doi.org/10.1017/wet.2025.15