The smart aerial release machine, a universal system for applying the sterile insect technique

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Agricultural Science
• Pest Management

Background:

• Insecticides pose environmental risks, necessitating alternative pest control methods.
• Aerial release of insects is crucial for genetic and biological control strategies.
• Existing aerial release methods lack precision, especially for chilled insects and tsetse flies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel aerial release system for insects.
• To improve the precision and efficiency of insect mass-rearing and release programs.
• To provide a versatile solution for releasing various insect species, including fruit flies and tsetse.

Main Methods:

• Development of a smart aerial release machine utilizing vibrating conveyors and Bluetooth control.
• Integration of automatic guidance and navigation system (MaxNav software) via an Android tablet.
• Comparative field trials with a conventional conveyor release machine in Mexico and Senegal.

Main Results:

• The smart machine achieved superior dispersal homogeneity for Anastrepha ludens and Ceratitis capitata.
• Enhanced recapture rates were observed for Anastrepha ludens, particularly at low release densities.
• The machine proved effective for aerial release of tsetse flies, replacing traditional paper boxes.

Conclusions:

• The technology minimizes insect damage and supports a wide range of release rates (10–600,000 flies/km2).
• The smart aerial release machine shows potential for controlling various insect vectors, including mosquitoes.
• Operational plans are available to facilitate global adoption of this insect control technology.