In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, M3 Agriculture Technologies stands out as a trailblazer in integrating drone technology with pest management.
With a history rooted in collaboration with government programs and a focus on innovation, the company is transforming how pest control is approached in the United States.
The seeds of M3 Agriculture Technologies' success were sown back in 2012, when Nathan Moses-Gonzales, the company's chief executive officer, was working for the USDA. At the time, Moses-Gonzales was involved in developing drone technology aimed at releasing sterile insects to control agricultural pests.
By 2015, Moses-Gonzales had transitioned from the USDA to co-found M3 Agriculture Technologies. The company established a significant partnership with the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OKSIR) Program in British Columbia, Canada. This collaboration has been pivotal in shaping M3’s innovative approach to pest control.
M3 uses custom-built dronesto release sterile insects into apple orchards.
The OKSIR program, which has been operational for around 25 years, focuses on releasing sterile coddling moths to manage pests in apple orchards. Known for achieving over 90 percent reduction in pests and pesticide use, the program’s success in Canada inspired M3 to replicate this model in Washington state. This initiative not only marked the inception of the commercial sterile insect release program in the U.S. but also highlighted M3 as a unique commercial player in the field of biological pest control.
“We decided to commercialize in Washington, partnering with OKSIR,” notes Derek Bell, M3’s manager of business development. “Now, we’re releasing about 800 moths per acre every week on about 4,000 acres over a 20-week program.”
M3 Agriculture Technologies has since become a leader in drone-based pest control, running a very large sterile insect release (SIR) program in North America. The company’s operations are distinguished by their use of custom-built drones designed specifically for releasing the sterile coddling moths. M3’s fleet of custom-built drones are not available off the shelf. Each drone is tailored to meet the needs of the sterile insect release process, including custom hoppers for the precise distribution of the moths.
Expanding horizons: from apples to strawberries M3's innovative methods are not limited to apples – it has also ventured into the beneficial insect release market, utilizing drones to apply predator insects like persimilis mites in California’s strawberry fields.
M3 utilizes drones to apply predator insects in California’s strawberry fields.
Photo: M3
The company partners with Koppert Biological Systems, a company at the forefront of developing natural pest control solutions since 1967, beginning with the rearing of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Over the decades, Koppert has perfected the art of breeding a wide array of natural enemies and holds several patents in this field.
“Koppert has all the relationships with all the farming groups, and they absolutely dominate the predator mite market here in California,” notes Bell. “They’re an amazing partner and California was a great place for us to launch this program together.”
The application of persimilis is especially effective in managing two-spotted spider mites, which thrive in moist environments like those found in strawberry production.
“Traditionally, applying persimilis would require labour-intensive methods involving large crews, anywhere from 20-80 individuals, depending on what sized crew that could actually assemble for the day,” says Bell. “The bugs are very perishable, so having enough labour to get the amount of insects you want out in the field can pose an issue. It could take a crew a day or two to just complete 100 acres. But with one pilot and one drone, I can probably complete 150 acres in maybe six hours, depending on the scope of the work.”
Bell says the company currently operates larger custom-built drones for beneficial insect release. Their larger drones, capable of carrying 25 pounds and flying for up to 55 minutes, are crucial for efficiently covering extensive areas. In contrast, smaller drones are used for shorter flights and lighter payloads. These drones are pre-programmed for autonomous flight, allowing for precise and efficient application of biological controls.
M3’s drones are pre-programmed for autonomous flight, allowing for precise application of biological controls.
M3 has extended its drone-based biocontrol release trials to other mites and crops, including grapes and bell peppers, and hops. “Persimilis is becoming more common in hops,” says Bell, “so we are running trials with Koppert on applying persiminis to hops in Washington.”
In addition to the persimilisprogram, M3 Agriculture Technologies and Koppert Biological Systems have launched a new service: Chrysoperla larvae, the green lacewing. Initial applications began this summer, 2024.
“Green lacewings are highly effective predators of a wide range of soft-bodied pests, such as aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies. We believe introducing the larvae instead of eggs to be far more advantageous,” says Bell.
Looking ahead, M3 Agriculture Technologies is focusing on expanding its applications to tree nuts, a market with considerable potential due to the large acreage of crops like almonds and pistachios in California. As the technology advances, M3 envisions a future where drones are an integral part of agricultural practices, not just for pest control but also for data capture and precision farming.
The futureAs drone technology continues to evolve, M3 Agriculture Technologies is optimistic about the future of biocontrol. The company is actively working on innovations such as replacing traditional irradiation reactors with advanced X-ray technology for sterile insect programs. This development could make sterile insect release more practical and affordable, potentially revolutionizing the industry.
M3 envisions a future where drones are an integral part of agricultural practices, not just for pest control but also for data capture and precision farming.Photo: M3
The company also aims to significantly scale its SIT program, reflecting its commitment to reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and enhancing pest management practices.
In conclusion, M3 Agriculture Technologies is at the forefront of a new era in agricultural pest management. By combining drone technology with biological control methods, the company is not only addressing the challenges of pest management but also paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient approach to agriculture.
As Bell notes, “We are very excited about drone technology, not just for pest control but for a variety of agricultural applications. Our goal is to continue expanding and innovating in this space, delivering effective solutions to farmers and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural industry." ●
Previous page: UAV-IQ’s BioDrop biocontrol by drone on Mendocino vineyard. Photo: UAV-IQ
By Janet Kanters
UAV-IQ, short for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Intelligence, is a veteran-owned and operated business that capitalizes on the expertise of its founder, Andreas Neuman, a U.S. Air Force veteran, to deliver innovative drone solutions tailored to the agricultural industry. Drawing on his military experience, where he integrated new technologies to develop practical solutions, Neuman has positioned UAV-IQ as a leading force in the emerging market for drone-applied biological control.
"In founding UAV-IQ, our mission has always been to revolutionize the agriculture industry by providing drone-based solutions for biological pest control," says Neuman. "One of the significant challenges we’ve identified is the slow and tedious process of manually releasing beneficial insects and mites, which often requires large teams walking through fields, shaking canisters to ensure uniform application. By leveraging our drone technology, we aim to make this process more efficient, outperforming human labour and allowing those teams to focus on other critical tasks."
UAV-IQ's flagship service, BioDrop, enables commercial-scale biocontrol, a key component in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This service not only helps growers protect their bottom line by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides but also contributes to broader sustainability efforts, safeguarding consumers, workers and the environment.
At the beginning of this year, UAV-IQ was awarded a 2023 IPM Achievement Award by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for its BioDrop service as well as its efforts to further the research of, evangelize for. and educate about biological pest control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) more broadly.
New AG International reached out to Andreas Neuman to learn more.
Andreas Neuman
How long has your company been involved in biocontrol via drone applications? UAV-IQ has been at the forefront of drone-applied biocontrol since 2016. We initially conducted field trials to validate the effectiveness of this approach and launched our commercial services in 2017 in a partnership with Koppert to serve their strawberry grower customers. We continue to work closely with Koppert, as well as with the customers of several other insectaries and pest control advisors.
To provide a little additional background, our journey with drone technology for precision agriculture actually began even earlier. In 2014, before the current drone regulations were established, we started flying drones under special authorization from the FAA to collect multispectral imagery. During this time, we developed software designed to process, analyze, and use imagery to detect and manage agricultural issues as early as possible. Our transition to biocontrol was driven by a desire to not only detect problems but also to provide actionable solutions, directly addressing the challenges that growers face in pest management.
What type of biocontrol do you offer? A. We specialize in the aerial release of beneficial insects and mites across various life stages, including eggs, larvae, adults and mummies. We work with multiple species of predators and parasitoids tailored to address specific pest management needs, and for some field trials we have released sterile insects as well.
There also are a couple of other services we are currently exploring and may add to our lineup next year.
UAV-IQ’s BioDrop biocontrolby drone system.Photo: UAV-IQ
How does the technology work? I.e., how do you load beneficials, or other biocontrol methods? The technology relies on two primary methods. Beneficials can either come premixed with an organic-approved carrier material at a known concentration, or we perform field blends by mixing bulk supplies of beneficials with a carrier material to achieve precise ratios. The blend is then loaded into a hopper, which is attached to a drone. The hopper is equipped with a release module at the bottom, calibrated to release a specific amount of material per second. A pilot flies the drone along pre-programmed routes at optimal heights above the crop, ensuring a wide swath and uniform coverage. The pilot also has the capability to control the release mechanism remotely, allowing for precise control over the number of beneficial insects applied per acre. This combination of automated flight, calibrated equipment, and skilled oversight ensures that the beneficials are distributed evenly and effectively, optimizing their impact on the target pest populations.
How large of a load can yourdrones handle? The load capacity varies slightly depending on the carrier material, but typically, our drones can handle around 15 litres. Since we, or our suppliers, can precisely control the concentration of beneficials within each litre of carrier, this capacity allows us to treat approximately15 acres per flight at standard application rates. This efficiency ensures that large areas can be covered quickly and effectively, optimizing the use of biocontrol agents.
What crops do you mainly focus on? Are you considering other crops? If so, which ones? UAV-IQ has experience in a variety of crops, including tree nuts, stone fruit, various berries, citrus, avocado, cannabis and ornamentals. However, our most frequent applications are in strawberries, which have a long history of biocontrol use in California, and vineyards, where grape growers are increasingly shifting away from pesticide use. We are always open to expanding into new crops and are excited about opportunities in citrus.
UAV-IQ’s BioDrop biocontrol by drone on strawberries.Photo: UAV-IQ
Sometimes growers come to us with an established biocontrol protocol and seek our services to apply it using our BioDrop technology. In other cases, they consult us for advice on pest management, and we bring in resources to evaluate the best biocontrol options. For crops where protocols are not well-established, we might propose field trials and collaborate on research proposals for grant funding.
We know biocontrol methods work. Why would a farmer consider using drone application over hand or other machinery applications? Drones offer significant advantages in both efficiency and quality of application. A drone can cover an acre in just 45-60 seconds, whereas manual application can take 30-60 minutes, enabling timely applications across large areas. Additionally, labour shortages can make manual application challenging, and drones provide a reliable alternative when workers aren't available. Specialized drone payloads, like our BioDrop system, ensure precise calibration of application rates and achieve wide swath coverage, resulting in a more uniform distribution of beneficials.
Furthermore, drones excel in conditions where ground-based equipment struggles. For instance, after heavy rains, fields may be inaccessible to traditional machinery, and even workers on foot can't walk through several inches of water or mud. Drones can easily fly over flooded fields or tall trees, reaching areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to treat effectively. This versatility makes drone applications particularly valuable for crops grown in challenging environments, such as orchards or vineyards.
Why is drone application of biocontrol important in today’s fight against agriculture pests? The effectiveness of biocontrol in agriculture is well-documented, but its broader adoption has been hindered by application challenges. Industry reports frequently cite these challenges as one of the top reasons biocontrol isn't more widely implemented. Applying beneficial insects and mites manually requires significant labour hours, which aren't always available. Even when labour is accessible, ensuring a uniform and effective distribution by handis difficult, often leading to inconsistent results.
Drone technology addresses these challenges directly. By automating the application process, drones can release beneficials quickly, uniformly, and at a cost that competes with manual labour. This not only frees up valuable labour hours for other essential tasks in the field but also improves the overall effectiveness of biocontrol strategies. As the agricultural industry increasingly shifts toward sustainable practices, the ability of drones to enhance the efficiency and reliability of biocontrol applications makes them an essential tool in combating agricultural pests today.
UAV-IQ’s drone applications are particularly valuable for crops grown in challenging environments, such as vineyards.Photo: UAV-IQ
What do you see in the future from drone applications of biocontrol? I see the future moving towards more crops and pests being treated with biocontrol. There are grants tailored towards researching new biocontrol protocols, and we pursue these with research partners and forward leaning growers. Drone technology, regulations and supply chain modifications are all moving in a direction which further enables growth in this area.
What steps are you taking to further your work in biocontrol applicationby drone? We're dedicated to advancing drone-based biocontrol through several key initiatives. A major focus is on the continuous refinement of our specialized payload systems, which are designed to release beneficial insects and mites from drones with high precision and efficiency. We also develop new operational procedures and techniques to address diverse terrain, operational conditions and crop types. In order to help develop new biocontrol protocols, we conduct extensive field trials, usually supported by grant funding, with multidisciplinary teams that include leading academic researchers. These experts independently analyze and report on the data and findings, ensuring that our methods are both scientifically validated and practically effective. Additionally, we work closely with insectaries to develop biocontrol products and packaging optimized for drone release, making them easier to work with for pilots and ensuring that the beneficials are in the optimal condition to go out and hunt as soon as they’re released. Beyond technology development, we actively engage in outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about the advantages of drone-based biocontrol. By fostering partnerships with researchers, growers and policymakers, we aim to lead the way in promoting this innovative and sustainable approach to pest management. ●
Aurea Imaging, a Dutch agtech company specializing in sensor systems to enable orchard farming at tree level, announces closing its Series A investment of EUR 2.8 mln.
Aurea was founded in 2016 when precision technology in fruit orchards was in its very first days and pioneering growers were looking for ways to farm at tree-level. The company says there’s an average of 3,000 trees planted for every hectare, with strong variation in fruit load. To get the most out of every tree, they were looking to get their machinery to perform custom treatments for every individual tree, replacing conventional full-field applications.
The round will enable Aurea to further scale deployments of TreeScout, a tractor-mounted sensor system enabling tree-level execution of farm applications throughout the season. TreeScout scores individual trees for parameters such as blossom density and vigour, generating digital prescription maps for machinery behind the tractor such as sprayers. The investment will also fund the continuous development of new applications for TreeScout.
The investment marks the start of the next phase for the company where the company will direct all its focus on TreeScout and its applications. To align with this focus, going forward founder Bert Rijk will take on responsibility for product as chief product officer. The company is also welcoming co-founder Joost Hazelhoff as its new CEO:
Joining existing pre-Series A investor Pymwymic , a Netherlands-based impact investor, a consortium of ROM Utrecht Region, Knop Ventures, Goeie Grutten Impact Fonds and BarUni Family Fund. ●
Biome Makers, a global agtech company, has launched BeCrop Farm, a digital platform designed to maximize the potential of every acre.
This solution evaluates over 1,000 parameters, including complex biological data and environmental factors, to provide precise input recommendations and tailored agronomic insights on soil health, disease risk and management practices.
Over the last decade, Biome Makers has built a large global soil microbe database, scientifically verifying the claims of over 400 biological input products and management practices from ag input manufacturers, retailers and other agribusinesses around the globe. The company has now taken a step further to revolutionize agriculture by empowering the industry with real actionable insights to save time and money and recover soil health.
Biome Makers said that with the increasing adoption of biological products and the expanding options available to farmers each season, proven and precise product recommendations are becoming essential for ensuring consistent performance and ROl. They maintain BeCrop Farm addresses this by eliminating guesswork and providing farmers and retailers with tools to help them choose the right products and receive agronomic insights and recommendations that are easy to visualize and implement.
"Understanding the impact of products and management practices on soil is complex and most often requires experienced scientists and agronomists to make sense of the data," said Alberto Acedo, co-founder and CSO at Biome Makers. "BeCrop Farm combines biological, chemical and environmental data and utilizes advanced AI to provide farmers and retailers with an actionable recommendation to make informed decisions and maximize impact."
Key features of BeCrop Farm include:
Product Recommendations: Tailored, brand-agnostic, data-driven recommendations for biological inputs.
Hi-Definition Maps: Biological soil functionality metrics pinpointing areas needing attention at the field level.
Agronomic Insights: Turns biological analysis into clear, actionable guidance on which management practices to implement.
User-Friendly Digital Experience: A retail and farmer-focused digital platform with intuitive analysis tools.
The company said its on farm empowerment – providing 21,500+ farmers in 56 countries across 201 crop types with the information they need to validate, prescribe, and manage farms and fields in a more efficient way. ●
BeCrop Farm features high-definition maps that outline biological soil functionality metrics, pinpointing the areas that require the most attention and investment.(Note: Product appearance may vary from the image shown.) Image: Biome Makers
California-based Ceres Imaging is rebranding as Ceres AI, following a Series D capital fund raise.
Ceres AI provides data and analytics to help growers, lenders and insurers reduce their farming risk and improve profitability. The new funding (amount not disclosed) will be used domestically and internationally.
In a news release, the company stated the Ceres AI brand highlights its decade of experience with artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision and machine learning, and its use of these technologies to help participants in the agricultural industry access quality data to make faster, more accurate decisions.
“We use a combination of aerial imaging and sensors, underpinned by a proprietary database of 12 billion plant-level measurements captured across 32 million acres and more than 40 key crop types,” says Ramsey Masri, CEO of Ceres AI, in a blog post on the company’s website. “This means we can analyze to a precise degree key crop characteristics such as nutrient levels, transpiration, chlorophyll and water stress. Our analytics give farmers precise data, including near-real-time information on field health conditions and instant recommendations on per-plant interventions to protect yield (and, ultimately, profitability).”
Masri said he believes the entire agricultural ecosystem can be streamlined with AI-powered data analytics. In March, the company launched Portfolio Insights, a new AI-enabled product suite that empowers teams with the data they need to simplify agricultural management. The new suite of tools offers Ag land investors, lenders, growers and crop insurers an easy way to collect, analyze, andvisualize their entire portfolio of farmland data to make better and faster decisions.
Accurate damage assessment is one example of how this technology can be applied. Masri explains: “When a major hailstorm rolled through Minnesota last year, our platform was used to quickly and precisely measure the impact of the hail damage. It provided detailed sampling plans that accurately reflected the effects on crop condition and health across hundreds of acres. And it gavethe farmer’s insurer a clear pictureto assess and act on aneventual claim.”
Pre-empting irrigation issues is another example of what AI-powered technology can do for farmers, says Masri. “The average grower will experience up to 200 irrigation issues over the course of a growing season. While in the past they had to send workers out to try to catch these issues, our technology detects issues before they are visually apparent and before theyimpact yield.” ●
