Abstract

Herbicide application using drones has increased considerably worldwide because of its operational efficiency and ease of use. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two herbicide application methods, a tractor-mounted sprayer and a drone, for the control of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. The experiment was conducted in a fallow field in Río Bravo, Tamaulipas. Glyphosate, 2,4-D, ammonium glufosinate, and paraquat were applied at rates of 726, 574.8, 400, and 400 g a.i. ha^-1, respectively, using both application methods. Weed control was evaluated using the European Weed Research Society (EWRS) scale, and spray coverage was assessed with water-sensitive paper cards. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Spray coverage with the tractor-mounted sprayer ranged from 40.8 to 53.6%, whereas drone application ranged from 1.9 to 2.6%. The tractor-mounted sprayer provided slightly greater weed control with paraquat, glyphosate, and ammonium glufosinate, whereas 2,4-D was more effective when applied by drone. Overall, both application methods achieved comparable levels of weed control, demonstrating that drone-based herbicide application is a viable alternative for pre-plant weed management. In addition to providing effective weed control, drone application offers greater operational flexibility, reduces reliance on conventional ground equipment, and has the potential to improve water-use efficiency because it requires lower spray volumes than conventional ground sprayers.

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