NAAA’s educational programming leads off with the Aerial Application Technology Research Session, led by aerial application researchers, possibly one of the convention’s most substantive sessions. This year’s session will cover several “new” tools and information ready to use as part of your everyday operations. Researchers have been working on most of these projects over the past several years and are eager to help make your applications more efficacious, make you an even better environmental steward and your application business more cutting-edge. Several states offer CEU credits for this session; be sure to sign in at the entranceway. Thank you to Dr. Dan Martin, USDA-ARS, for coordinating this session.
A list of states offering CEUs will be posted in late September.
2025 Presentations: Monday, Nov. 17
Presentation 1: Free and Commercial Remote Sensing Data for Precision Aerial Applications
Author: Chenghai Yang, PhD
Abstract: Various sources of remote sensing imagery are now available for agricultural use, including data from drones, manned aircraft, and satellites. This presentation introduces both free and commercial satellite and aerial imagery that can support aerial applications. We’ll highlight widely used sources, including free satellite data such as Sentinel-2 and Landsat, free aerial imagery from NAIP, and commercial high-resolution products like WorldView-3 and SkySat. Case studies will demonstrate how Sentinel-2 imagery, combined with machine learning, can help identify crop types and detect crop disease symptoms for site-specific applications. These tools can help aerial applicators optimize application timing, reduce input costs, and provide practical ways to use remote sensing in precision aerial applications.
Bio: Dr. Chenghai Yang is a Research Agricultural Engineer with the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit in College Station, TX. His research focuses on the development and application of remote sensing technologies for precision agriculture and pest management. Dr. Yang serves in several national and international professional societies and is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
Presentation 2: Recent Updates to the USDA ARS Aerial Spray Nozzle Models
Author: Brad Fritz, PhD
Abstract: Recent updates to the USDA ARS Spray Nozzle Models have enhanced the tools available to aerial applicators for selecting and optimizing spray setups to improve pesticide efficacy and reduce drift. These enhancements include new nozzle additions, refinements to droplet size classification standards, and a streamlined user interface. Droplet size plays a key role in application performance and a brief review of those parameters and metrics that describe how spray volume is distributed across droplet sizes will be presented. Additionally, the system used classify sprays into categories ranging from Very Fine to Ultra Coarse, helping applicators match droplet sizes to label requirements, will be discussed. The updated models, which include options from Craft Air Services and AeroFlow Systems, as well as expanded listings for CP Products nozzles used on both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, will be introduced and key trends presented. A new Excel-based interface, which brings both the fixed-wing and rotary-wing nozzle models into a single workbook will be demonstrated. Finally, a new web-based interface that allows users to interact with and use these models from any device will be introduced and a walk-through of the interface provided.
Bio: Dr. Brad Fritz is an agricultural engineer and serves as the Research Leader of the USDA ARS Aerial Application Technology Unit in College Station, Texas. His areas of research include spray drift measurement and methods of mitigation, understanding the role spray nozzles and formulations play in the droplet size being applied and optimizing aerial application technologies and methods to enhance target deposition and reduce off-target impacts. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the American Society of Testing and Materials, the American Mosquito Control Association, and the National Agricultural Aviation Association.
Presentation 3: Interference of adjuvants based on surfactants and oils in the droplet spectrum generated by nozzles of different technologies
Author: Ulisses R. Antuniassi (presenter), Alisson A. B. Mota, Rodolfo G. Chechetto, Fernando K. Carvalho
Abstract: The objective of the presentation will be to discuss the interference of adjuvants based on surfactants and oils in the droplet spectrum generated by nozzles of different technologies. Hydraulic and rotary nozzles were installed in a wind tunnel equipped with a Sympatec Helos particle analyzer and subject to different adjustments. Two spray solutions were evaluated, one based on a modified vegetable oil, and another based on a non-ionic surfactant. The volume median diameter, the percentage by volume composed of droplets smaller than 100 µm and the relative spam data were generated. The results showed that there was interference from the adjuvants according to each adjustment of droplet generator device.
Bio: Dr. Ulisses Antuniassi is an Agronomist with a PhD in Agronomy and serving as a at Professor at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu/SP – Brazil. He has over 35 years of experience in Agricultural Engineering, focusing on application technology, ground sprayers, aerial application, UAV spray application, spray solutions, formulations, adjuvants, spray drift and good agricultural practices.
Presentation 4: Application Considerations for Western Bean Cutworm Control in Corn
Author: Milos Zaric (presenter), Andrea Rilaković, Jeff Golus, Brad Fritz, Julie Peterson
Abstract: Western Bean Cutworm is one of the mid- to late-season pests of corn in the Midwest that may cause yield loss by feeding on tassels and ears. In Nebraska, many growers rely on aerial insecticide applications; however, reduced control efficacy has been reported, with several findings suggesting application-related deposition challenges. A USDA NIFA-supported study evaluated aerial application performance by placing water-sensitive cards at both tassel and ear height. Results showed a significant decline in spray coverage from the tassel to the ear zone, revealing challenges in achieving uniform canopy coverage due to interception by upper leaves. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing application timing and method for effective WBC control. While spray additives were not included in the field trial, follow-up indoor studies were conducted to assess their impact on droplet size.
Bio: Milos Zaric leads the Precision Application Technology Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where his research and extension efforts aim to optimize pesticide use and improve decision-making across row and specialty cropping systems. His work focuses on maximizing product effectiveness, reducing undesirable effects, and supporting custom applicators in staying compliant with evolving pesticide regulations.
Presentation 5: Weed Control from Spray Drones: What Works and What to Watch Out For?
Author: Tommy Butts, PhD
Abstract: This presentation will cover the results and recommendations generated from multiple research projects conducted evaluating the effectiveness of spray drones for weed control. Over the past few years, numerous aspects have been evaluated for understanding spray drone applications including droplet size, adjuvant use, spray carrier volume, spray drone platform, and intended swath width. As a result of these testing procedures, application outcomes such as effective swath widths, droplet size deposition, spray coverage, and active ingredient deposition, will be discussed for a better understanding of herbicide application dynamics from spray drones. Weed control will also be presented to understand the potential of spray drone implementation for effective weed management programs. Knowledge gleaned from this presentation will aid in appropriately setting up spray drones for optimizing use, as well as a better understanding of low volume herbicide applications on weed control which can benefit manned and remotely-piloted applicators alike.
Bio: Dr. Tommy Butts is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Extension Weed Scientist focused in Site-Specific Weed Management at Purdue University. Tommy’s research, teaching, and Extension efforts focus on identifying and providing recommendations for novel, applied weed management strategies including the use of precision agriculture, application technologies, and digital data in a site-specific approach. Further emphasis is placed on increasing herbicide application knowledge, safety, and effectiveness, while reducing off-target movement, both from ground-based and aerial (manned and remotely piloted) applications.