Overview
The Agri.Builders Pherodrone represents a revolutionary approach to pest control in agriculture, combining drone technology with eco-friendly pheromone-based pest management. This innovative system deploys hormone-releasing rings via drones, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides while protecting crops and preserving beneficial insects.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Drone Platform | DJI M200 series |
| Printing Technology | BCN3D Epsilon W27 with Smart Cabinet |
| Ring Material | PLA (prototyping), ABS (final components) |
| Ring Weight | 10 grams per unit |
| Coverage Area | 100×100 meters per ring |
| Deployment Capacity | Up to 60 rings per flight |
| Application Season | April through June |
| Environmental Rating | Water-resistant, UV-resistant |
| Construction | High mechanical and impact resistance |
Key Applications
The Pherodrone system excels in several critical areas:
- Orchard Protection: Specialized for almond trees with targeted pheromone distribution
- Pest Management: Natural mating disruption without chemical pesticides
- Biodiversity Conservation: Preserves beneficial insects and ecosystem balance
- Precision Agriculture: GPS-guided placement of pheromone rings
- Sustainable Farming: Supports organic and eco-friendly agricultural practices
Features & Benefits
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Eco-Friendly Solution: Uses natural pheromones instead of chemical pesticides, protecting both crops and environment.
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Precision Deployment: Advanced drone technology ensures accurate placement of pheromone rings.
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Efficient Coverage: Each ring covers 10,000 square meters (100×100m) effectively.
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Automated Operation: Drone-based deployment reduces manual labor and improves efficiency.
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Durable Design: Weather-resistant components ensure long-lasting performance.
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Sustainable Impact: Promotes biodiversity while maintaining crop protection.
About Agri.Builders
Founded in 2017 in Lyon, France, Agri.Builders emerged from a collaborative project at Groupama. The company was established by Antoine Duchemin, Antoine Boudon, and Alexis Trubert, with a vision to revolutionize agricultural pest control through sustainable technology. Their commitment to innovation has led to rapid advancement from using off-the-shelf drones to developing proprietary solutions with custom software integration.
Learn more: Agri.Builders’ website
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAOCnwTCghM
Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ Strengths
- Zero chemical pesticide usage for eco-friendly pest control
- Large coverage area (10,000 m² per ring)
- Preserves beneficial insects and biodiversity
- Efficient deployment (60 rings per flight)
- Proven effective in almond orchards
- Weather and UV resistant components
- French engineering and local support
- Integration with precision agriculture systems
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Limited to pheromone-responsive pests
- Seasonal application window (April-June)
- Higher upfront cost than traditional methods
- Requires precise timing for optimal effectiveness
- Weather-dependent deployment conditions
- Limited track record in diverse crops
- Complex system requires specialized training
- Ongoing ring replacement costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How effective is pheromone-based pest control compared to traditional pesticides? A: Pheromone-based control is highly effective for specific pests, disrupting their mating cycles without harming beneficial insects. While it may take longer to see results compared to chemical pesticides, it provides sustainable, long-term protection with zero chemical residue.
Q: What types of pests can the Pherodrone system control? A: The system is specifically designed for pests that respond to pheromone attractants, particularly those affecting almond orchards. The pheromone rings are customized for specific pest species, making the system most effective when targeting known pest populations.
Q: How long do the pheromone rings remain effective? A: The rings are engineered to provide continuous release over the critical pest mating season (April-June). The weather-resistant and UV-protected design ensures consistent pheromone dispersion throughout this period, after which rings should be replaced.
Q: What coverage area can be protected per deployment? A: Each ring covers 10,000 square meters (100×100m), and with a capacity of 60 rings per flight, a single drone deployment can protect up to 60 hectares. Multiple deployments can be scheduled to cover larger orchards efficiently.
Q: What training and support does Agri.Builders provide? A: Agri.Builders offers comprehensive training covering drone operation, ring deployment strategies, and system maintenance. They also provide ongoing technical support, pest monitoring guidance, and regular software updates to optimize system performance.
