Potential of Unmanned Aerial Sampling for Monitoring Insect Populations in Rice Fields

Abstract

Conventionally, sampling for insects has been limited to the ground level or low altitudes. Recent progress in unmanned aerial vehicles has made it more feasible to use this technique for aerial sampling of insect populations. In this study, we developed a rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle with remote-controlled insect net openings that allows serial sampling at designated altitudes. A total of 21 flights using the unmanned aerial vehicle system captured 251 insects in 6 orders and 22 families at 5, 10, 50, and 100 m above rice fields in South Korea. The results of this study demonstrate that the aerial sampling can collect diverse pest and beneficial insects above rice fields and demonstrate a promising alternative to conventional sampling methods.