Drone-Based Application of Pesticide Combinations for the Management of Fall Armyworm and Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight in Maize

The simultaneous occurrence of invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB, Rhizoctonia solani) poses significant threat to maize productivity. The study was conducted at wet land farm, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, (latitude 13.615395oN and longitude 79.373317oE) during Rabi, 2023-24, to evaluate the efficacy of drone-based application of a combination of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC and azoxystrobin 18.2 % + difenoconazole11.4 % SC against these pests. The results demonstrated that drone spraying of the insecticide-fungicide combination was highly effective in controlling FAW, achieving over 80 % reduction in larval population and 52% reduction in leaf damage. This approach also resulted in higher yields (46.8 q/ ha) with cost-benefit ratio of 1:2.24. In contrast, conventional knapsack spraying was less effective. The drone-based application minimized BLSB incidence, with negligible disease occurrence compared to untreated controls (1.13-2.13 %) with uniform distribution, improved penetration and reduced drift. The study establishes the efficiency and feasibility of UAV-based pesticide delivery for integrated pest and disease management in maize.