UAV ultralow‐volume spray technology of thiamethoxam and control efficacy against Brevicoryne brassicae

Abstract BACKGROUND Plant protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provide an effective solution for aphid control in oilseed rape. However, the absence of dedicated formulations tailored for UAV application currently limits the full exploitation of their high efficiency. Therefore, the development of novel insecticide formulations is of great importance. RESULTS A ultralow‐volume liquid (UL) suitable for plant protection UAV application was developed. The developed UL has a low surface tension, fast wetting speed, strong anti‐volatility and a long effective period. Thiamethoxam UL at a dosage of 15 g a.i. ha −1 achieved 94.60% control efficacy against Brevicoryne brassicae 21 days after treatment. The dissipation dynamics of thiamethoxam in rapeseed followed first‐order kinetics, with a degradation half‐life of 4.35–5.44 days. CONCLUSION The developed thiamethoxam UL, when applied using plant protection UAVs, effectively addresses multiple challenges in rapeseed cultivation, including rural labor shortages, hydrophobic rapeseed surfaces, difficulties in manual spraying during the rapeseed pod period, and risks of pesticide poisoning. This technology demonstrates significant potential for widespread adoption in water‐scarce mountainous regions. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.