New insecticide sprayer approved for drone application in Hungary

By: STA Date: 2025. 03. 03. 09:15

A new insecticide can be applied in Hungary by unmanned aerial vehicle, as the Coragen 20 SC insecticide sprayer has been approved for field use in corn, sweet corn and popcorn crops. This means that there are now two approved products that can be used with drones, but it is still essential that all users comply with the special rules and occupational safety regulations.

(Photo: Pixabay)

The Coragen 20 SC insecticide preparation has been proven in two aspects for its extension to drones. The manufacturer has proven the effectiveness of the sprayer in experiments set up in accordance with the Nébih guidelines. In addition, it has proven its safe use from an ecotoxicological and human toxicological perspective with drift tests also required by the Nébih guidelines. The product can be used in corn (seed, grain, silage corn), as well as sweet and popcorn crops by spraying with a drone. Growers can use it to protect themselves against the corn borer and the cotton bollworm.

In addition to farmers using only approved products, it is also essential to strictly comply with occupational safety regulations

The maximum permitted flight speed of the drone is 15 km/h. During spraying, it must also be ensured that the diameter of the spray liquid droplets on the crop to be treated is at least 200 µm by 50% of its volume. The application of Coragen 20 SC can be carried out with the simultaneous use of the additive that reduces drift, DropMax. The safety distance to be maintained from the treated area is 20 meters. Nébih draws the attention of those concerned that for legal activities, the drone used must have a type rating, and the drone pilot must also be included in the drone pilot register kept by Nébih. Spraying with a drone still qualifies as aerial plant protection, and therefore may only be carried out under the supervision of a plant specialist (Decree 44/2005 (V.6.) § 10). Furthermore, before starting the activity, a permit must be requested from the plant and soil nutrition department of the regionally competent county government office (Decree 44/2005 (V.6.) § 3/A and § 3/B). Before starting the work, warning signs with the following inscription must be placed on the edge of the treated area and the associated protection strip: “Spraying with an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) is taking place in this area, entering the area is dangerous and prohibited!”

Nébih