Cotton Defoliant Spraying Guidelines with Topxgun FP400 Spraying Drone

Traditional cotton defoliant spraying methods using ground-based machinery often result in stem crushing, causing significant losses due to repeated trampling of cotton plants throughout the year. However, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defoliant spraying effectively avoids this issue. With its spraying mode, the Topxgun FP400 sprayer offers a rated capacity of 35 liters, significantly improving operational efficiency. With the assistance of Topxgun FP400, it can accomplish 5-8 times the workload of traditional methods in a single day.

So, what should you consider when using drones for defoliant spraying?

1. Pay attention to weather conditions and choose suitable operation time.

• Operate during temperatures between 12°C - 35°C, with clear skies and no wind.
• Monitor long-term weather forecasts, avoiding extreme low-temperature periods. Aim for a continuous seven-day period with temperatures above 20°C.
• Drone operations usually require multiple spraying sessions. It is recommended to conduct the initial spraying when the cotton boll opening rate exceeds 40%. After approximately seven days (when most upper leaves have fallen), proceed with the second spraying.

2. Proper formulation of chemicals:

Choose appropriate defoliant agents. The main components of cotton defoliants include thidiazuron and tribufos. Select products from reputable manufacturers with complete certifications, wide promotion, proven efficacy, and a long-lasting effect. Suspensions or aqueous formulations are preferred for drone operations, while powder formulations are not recommended.

3. Comply with dilution requirements:

Cotton defoliants are usually weakly alkaline, while ethylene inhibitors (such as ethephon) are acidic. Mixing them directly without proper dilution can cause neutralization and render the chemicals ineffective. Follow the recommended dilution methods and complete spraying within 2 hours to prevent chemical reactions.

4. Apply the second spraying approximately seven days after the first application. Adjust the recommended dosage if the upper cotton leaves are not fully shed due to low temperatures or naturally low boll opening rates. Increase the dosage for plants with larger canopies or taller growth.