The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has reported promising results in using drones for weed control in wet direct-seeded rice fields.
In a recent experiment conducted at Central Luzon State University and the Research Outreach Station for Lowland Development, agricultural drones demonstrated effectiveness comparable to traditional backpack sprayers in suppressing weeds and maintaining high grain yields.
Tests showed that drone spraying at 20 liters per hectare achieved 80–100 percent weed control without harming the rice plants. This method is particularly useful for large or hard-to-reach areas, where manual spraying is less efficient.
PhilRice weed scientist Dindo King Donayre said the findings provide a strong foundation for establishing standards and best practices in drone-based pest control. The study also supports PhilRice’s goal of integrating drone use in seeding, fertilization, and pest management to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.
Further trials are planned across multiple sites to validate the results and assess the economic feasibility for widespread adoption by farmers.
