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Role of UAVs in precision pesticide spraying and environmental safety by combating pesticide resistance and safety of natural enemies.

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Title: Role of UAVs in precision pesticide spraying and environmental safety by combating pesticide resistance and safety of natural enemies.
Authors: Zeeshan M; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China., Li H; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China., Li Y; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China., Zhang G; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China., Zhang Y; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China., Han X; Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-Agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi, China.
Source: Pest management science [Pest Manag Sci] 2026 Jul; Vol. 82 (7), pp. 6074-6094. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 May 01.
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Published for SCI by Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 100898744 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1526-4998 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 1526498X NLM ISO Abbreviation: Pest Manag Sci Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: West Sussex, UK : Published for SCI by Wiley, c2000-
MeSH Terms: Pest Control, Biological*/methods , Pest Control, Biological*/instrumentation , Insect Control*/methods , Insect Control*/instrumentation , Unmanned Aerial Devices* , Insecticide Resistance* , Pesticides*, Animals ; Insecta
Abstract: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has emerged as a promising tool to maximize agricultural productivity and is useful in precision and sustainable insect pest control, with less impact on the environment and human health. In this review, we revealed how UAVs are valuable in dealing with pesticide resistance issues, reducing the ecological footprint of practices during pest management, and how they are safer for natural enemies. These UAVs have the ability to considerably reduce the overall dosage of insecticides with targeted delivery, which minimizes the risk of resistance development in insect pests against tested pesticides. Moreover, the addition of advanced technologies, such as computer vision systems, allows UAVs to optimize pesticide usage based on real-time data. The delivery of biological control agents by UAVs further supports ecological sustainability. However, a careful consideration is needed on the impact of UAV-applied chemicals on non-target organisms and ecosystems. To minimize drift, strategies such as optimized flight parameters, use of suitable nozzles, and integration of adjuvants should be adopted, which are important to ensure environmental safety. Future research on UAV technology, application methods, pesticide formulation, and natural enemy delivery is crucial to maximize the benefits of this innovative technique and ensure the safety of agroecosystems. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
(© 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.)
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Grant Information: Major Science and Technology Projects of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (2023A02009)
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: UAVs; environmental safety; natural enemies' safety; pesticide resistance; pesticide spraying; precision pest control
Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Pesticides)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260501 Date Completed: 20260610 Latest Revision: 20260610
Update Code: 20260610
DOI: 10.1002/ps.70872
PMID: 42065988
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1526-4998
DOI:10.1002/ps.70872