Pinnacle Agridrone Partners with Penn State University on Three-Year Orchard Drone Spraying Study

Pinnacle Agridrone has completed the first phase of a multi-year research project with Penn State University evaluating the effectiveness of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for pesticide application in high-density orchard systems.

The three-year study is focused on assessing drone-based spraying as a practical alternative or supplement to traditional ground and airblast sprayers in modern orchard environments. Research objectives include evaluating spray coverage, canopy penetration, application consistency, and operational efficiency in high-density plantings where access, terrain, and compaction present ongoing challenges.

In the initial trial conducted earlier this season, Pinnacle Agridrone deployed its FAA Part 137-approved agricultural drone platform to apply crop protection materials under controlled conditions. The test application was designed in coordination with Penn State researchers to ensure accurate data collection and real-world relevance for commercial orchard operations.

“High-density orchards demand precision, and drones offer a fundamentally different application approach,” said Kurt Kissinger, Founder of Pinnacle Agridrone. “This research is about validating where drone spraying makes sense, where it doesn’t, and how it can be responsibly integrated into orchard management systems.”

Over the course of the study, Penn State researchers will analyze application performance, crop response, and operational variables across multiple growing seasons. The project aims to generate independent, data-driven insights that can inform growers, regulators, and industry stakeholders as agricultural drone technology continues to evolve.

Pinnacle Agridrone’s participation reflects its broader commitment to advancing responsible, science-based use of drone technology in agriculture, including row crops, orchards, and specialty applications.

Additional findings from the study will be released as data becomes available over the next three years.