METHOD AND APPARATUS USED FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF AGRICULTURAL PESTS

Abstract

An apparatus for biological control of agricultural pests and for reducing damage to crops is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable container for holding biological organisms or material. The walls of the container include a series of openings through which the biological organisms or material can pass, dispersing the biological organisms or material over a target area when the container is rotated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of biological control of agricultural pests, and more specifically without limitation, to a spider mite biological control method and apparatus thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plant pests are a significant factor in the loss of the world's important agricultural crops. Billions of dollars are lost every year in the U.S. and around the world due to infestations of plants by non-mammalian pests including insects. In addition to losses in field crops, insect pests and/or mites are also a burden to vegetable and fruit growers, to producers of ornamental flowers, and to home gardeners. For example, spider mites often attack strawberry fields causing extensive damage to the crop, resulting in significant economic loss to the growers.

Insect pests and/or mites are mainly controlled by intensive applications of chemical pesticides and/or insecticides, which are active through inhibition of insect growth, prevention of insect feeding or reproduction, or cause death. Although the use of such chemicals can result in good control of insect pests, the widespread use of chemical pesticides can result in the appearance of resistant insect varieties. Moreover, high levels of chemicals on horticultural crops are undesirable to many consumers. Further, chemical pesticides can also encourage the spread of the insect pests such as spider mites by killing the beneficial insects that prey on them. Similarly, insect pests or mites are also known to develop quick resistance to various pesticides.

An alternative to using chemical pesticides and/or insecticides is through the application of beneficial insects or mites. The beneficial insects or mites used are advantageously predatory towards pest insects such as two-spotted spider mites and can be applied to crops to control insect pests. Beneficial insects or mites can be dispersed on crop plants in a variety of ways, for example manually or through a controlled release device.

The use of beneficial insects or mite forms part of integrated crop management and integrated pest management programs, combining cultural, biological and chemical means to achieve sustainable pest control. However, a typical problem currently encountered with the release of beneficial insects, predatory mites or other essentially beneficial biological organisms in agricultural fields is that it can be very labor intensive and inaccurate. For instance, hand application is not precise in placement of hots spots and application amounts can vary significantly over a given area.

The application of biologicals by hand is not only labor intensive but poses other problems which result in a higher cost of application of the biologicals. For example, the high cost comes from not only time and related hourly wages but also from insurance, workman's compensation, and other costs associated with manual labor. In addition, hand application of biologicals requires workers to walk through the growing fields which can introduce the problem of stepping on the crops causing damage thereof. Further, using tractors or the like for application of biologicals over and/or on crops may not be practical or even an option in rainy or muddy conditions which delays important treatment of agricultural pests.

In light of the shortcomings in the prior art, there clearly exists a need for the application of materials and/or biological organisms such as beneficial insects or predatory mites using aerial vehicles, specifically unmanned aerial vehicles, for the rapid dispersal of the biological organisms/materials over large or concentrated areas with minimal manual labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus used for biological control and/or eradication of agricultural pests (e.g., prey) by the spreading of essentially beneficial biological organisms and/or materials over a selected target location for reducing damage to crops.

The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for dispensing essentially beneficial biological organisms such as predatory mites over a selected biological target or target location such as a strawberry field in order to control and/or to eradicate spider mites (e.g., prey).

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for biological control of agricultural pests comprised of a container for containing biological organisms or materials and having a dispensing port; said dispensing port for dispensing the biological organisms or materials on a target location or biological target to be treated; an auger motor mounted within the container; an auger driven by the auger motor and having a plurality of spiral like wire brushes for urging the biological organisms to the dispensing port; a spreader motor disposed within the container and disposed substantially at the dispensing port of the container; and a spreader agitating device driven by the spreader motor for spreading the biological organisms or materials over the target location or biological target to be treated.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an autonomous airborne apparatus used for biological control of agricultural pests comprised of a container for containing biological organisms or materials and having a dispensing port; said dispensing port for dispensing the biological organisms or materials on a target location to be treated; and a motor for driving the biological organisms or materials out of the container through the dispensing port.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus used for biological control of agricultural pests comprises a dispersion unit for dispersing biological organisms or materials on a target location. The dispersion unit comprises a rotatable container, such as a cylindrical drum, for containing the biological organisms or materials. A motor rotates the container, and the resulting centrifugal force urges the biological organisms or materials through a series of openings in the walls of the container.

This dispersion unit may be improved by a sleeve wrapped around the container. The sleeve includes a second series of openings, which may be aligned, unaligned, and/or partially aligned with the openings of the container. The sleeve openings and container openings form gaps when aligned or partially aligned, through which the biological organisms or materials can pass during operation of the apparatus. This feature thus allows modification of the size, shape, and/or quantity of openings through which the biological organisms or materials pass, facilitating control of the dispersion rate.

Another advantageous feature of the invention is to provide a method of biologically controlling agricultural pests, the method comprising the steps of containing biological organisms or materials within a container having a dispensing port; driving an auger having a plurality of spiral like wire brushes for urging the biological organisms or materials to the dispensing port using the spiral like wire brushes; dispensing the biological organisms or materials through the dispensing port; agitating the biological organisms received from the dispensing port; and spreading the agitated biological organisms or materials over a target location or biological target to be treated.

The present invention additionally provides an apparatus to help reduce the need for manual labor when dispensing essentially beneficial biological organisms or materials such as predatory mites over biological targets such as agricultural crops.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for dispersing essentially beneficial biological organisms in a rapid manner over large or concentrated areas with minimal labor and time.

The present invention further provides an apparatus that can advantageously dispense essentially beneficial biological organisms or materials over large or concentrated areas using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., multi or single helicopter) such as a drone or a fixed wing UAV. Importantly, the use of UAVs helps to eliminate workers from potentially stepping on the crops and causing damage thereof. Likewise, the use of UAVs helps to advantageously eliminate the need of having to use tractors or similar like vehicles for the application of biologicals especially during rainy or muddy type weather conditions. Alternatively, the apparatus may be coupled to a manned or unmanned ground vehicle, such as a tractor or rover.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a low cost, high efficiency apparatus that can optionally use the aid or guidance of a global positioning system (GPS) on the UAV to uniformly apply the essentially beneficial biological organisms or materials over a selected biological target or target location such as strawberry fields or a structure.

A further aspect of the current invention is to provide an apparatus and method that can save agricultural growers a significant amount of money by helping them to control and/or to eliminate damage to their crops from plant pests.

An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method that can help to reduce the amount of chemical pesticides and/or insecticides used to control and/or to eliminate agricultural pests.

The present invention also provides an apparatus and method for advantageously dispensing predatory mites, predatory insects, essentially beneficial biological organisms or beneficial biological materials over a selected biological target that is less harmful to humans.

Another feature of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for advantageously dispensing various materials such as seeds, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers over a selected target or target location.

Consequently, for a better understanding of the present invention, its functional advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, claims and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the apparatus used to dispense beneficial biological organisms or materials over a target location when attached to a UAV.

FIG. 1B is a partial front perspective view of the apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the hopper.

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the hopper.

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the hopper holding biological organisms.

FIG. 2C is a front perspective view of the hopper holding biological materials.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the auger motor mount.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the auger motor mount.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the auger.

FIG. 4A is another front perspective view of the auger.

FIG. 4B is a further front perspective view of the auger.

FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of the auger having a plurality of wire brushes.

FIG. 4D is a partial top perspective view of the auger having a plurality of wire brushes.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the spreader agitating device.

FIG. 5A is another front view of the spreader agitating device.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the spreader motor mount.

FIG. 6A is another front perspective view of the spreader motor mount.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the hopper lid.

FIG. 7A is another front perspective view of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the hinge for the hopper lid.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the hinge pin for the hopper lid.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the hinge pin cap for the hopper lid.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the lid lock hinge.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the motor for the spreader agitating device.

FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of the motor for the auger.

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of a UAV.

FIG. 13B is an additional perspective view of the apparatus coupled with a UAV.

FIG. 13C is perspective view of the apparatus coupled with a fixed-wing UAV.

FIG. 14 represents an execution diagram for the method of biological controlling agricultural pests.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an embodiment having a drum for disseminating biological organisms or materials.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an embodiment having a horizontal drum for disseminating biological organisms or materials coupled with a multi copter drone.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a cap.

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view a motor housing mount.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a drum platform.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of platform mounts.

FIG. 17 front view of the dispersion unit drum and sleeve.

FIG. 18A is a partial top view of the dispersion unit container and sleeve, wherein the container openings and sleeve openings are substantially aligned.

FIG. 18B is an additional partial top view of the dispersion unit drum and sleeve, wherein the container openings and sleeve openings are substantially unaligned.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the dispersion unit sleeve.

FIG. 19B is a front sectional view of the dispersion unit sleeve.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus coupled to a UAV.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out various embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for at least the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, an apparatus 100 used for biologically controlling agricultural pests is shown that can be securely attached to an optional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 800 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 13A, 13B, and 20. In use, the apparatus 100 can advantageously spread essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 over a selected biological target or target location such as agricultural crops in order to reduce damage caused by the agricultural pests. An example of agricultural pests or organisms known to cause damage to agricultural crops, but not limited to, is mites such as spider mites and insects.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2C, the apparatus 100 includes a container 200 (also referred to as hopper 200) that holds the essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 that are used to control and/or eradicate agricultural pests. The hopper 200 also includes first 10 and second 20 ends and an opening 10 at the first end 10 of the hopper 200 for insertion of the beneficial organisms 7. In addition, the hopper 200 includes a dispenser port 30 located substantially at the second end 20 of the hopper 200 for dispensing the beneficial organism or materials on a biological target or target location to be treated. For example, the hopper 200 could contain predatory mites such as the Phytoseiulus persimilis that feed on spider mites and their eggs. Also, existing systems include predatory mites being enclosed loosely in the hopper 200 or mixed with vermiculite for enhancing the suitability of their environment. Additionally, the hopper or any other container can accommodate various other carriers in conjunction with the biological organisms or materials 9. For example, the hopper 200 could contain a mixture of the predatory mites mixed with sawdust or the like or even mixed with both sawdust and vermiculite in order to enhance their environment. Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the hopper 200 further includes spinner motor screw holes 22a which will be aligned with the spinner motor mount screw holes 22b (See FIGS. 6 and 6B) when the spinner motor mount connection area 45 (See FIGS. 6 and 6B) is securely connected to the second end 20 of the hopper 200. The hopper 200 will also have mounting screw holes 35a which will be aligned with the auger motor mount screw holes 35 (See FIGS. 3 and 3A) for securing the auger motor mount 300 to the hopper 200. The auger motor mount will 300 (See FIGS. 3 and 3A) will be mounted to an auger motor mount area 10a that is located within the hopper 200 as shown in FIG. 2.

In FIGS. 3 and 3A, an auger motor mount 300 is shown which will be mounted within the hopper 200 as previously described above. The motor mount 300 will have fastening insert holes

33 for allowing an optional lid 700 to be mounted to the motor mount 300 when it is inserted in the hopper 200 and screws inserted into the screw insert slots 33a located on the lid 700. Moreover, the auger motor mount 300 will also have auger motor mount screw holes 35 (See FIGS. 3 and 3A) which will be aligned with the mounting screw holes 35a for securing the auger motor mount 300 to the hopper 200.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the auger motor mount 300 includes a first motor holding area 32 for securing and holding a first motor 38 (See FIG. 12A) that will beneficially drive an auger 400 mounted to said motor 38 (See FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B). Additionally, the auger 400 will be inserted through an auger insertion hole 32a and mounted to the first motor 38 by means of a shank hole 45 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A. Further, the auger 400 includes spurs 40 for connecting and securing spiral like wire brushes 47 as depicted in FIGS. 4C and 4D.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, a spreader agitating device 500 is shown. The spreader agitating device 500 is mounted to and driven by a second motor 53 (See FIG. 12) for spreading the essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 over the biological target to be treated. The second motor 53 is also secured and held in a second motor holding area 50 that is located on the spreader motor mount 600 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A.

In use, the spinner motor mount connection area 45 of the spreader mount 600 is securely mounted to the second end 20 of the hopper 200. In this configuration, the spreader agitating device 500 is connected to the second motor 53 by fastening the agitating connecter 50A to the second motor 53.

Alternatively, one embodiment of the invention includes a lid 700 for securing the essentially beneficial biological organisms or materials within the hopper 200 (See FIG. 7). Another embodiment of the invention will include an optional lid 700 that opens on one end and remains closed on the other end (See FIG. 7A). To open the lid 700 on one end, the following components are needed: a hinge 710 (See FIG. 8), a hinge pin 720 (See FIG. 9) and a hinge pin cap 730 (See FIG. 10). Optionally, the hinge 710, hinge pin 720 and hinge pin cap 730 can be fastened to the screw insert slots 33a located on the opening end of the lid 700 for allowing one end of the lid to open and close as shown in FIG. 7A. A further option of the invention allows for a lid lock hinge 11 to be securely fastened to the top portion of the hopper 200 in order to allow the lid 700 to be securely sealed by a fastening mechanism 37 when in the closed position (See FIG. 7).

In operation, the apparatus 100 is securely mounted to an optional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 800 (See FIGS. 1, 1A, 13A, 13B, and 13C) with essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 (also referred to as biological control agents) or materials 9 securely enclosed within the hopper 200. After the biological organisms such as predatory mites are secured in the hopper, the UAV will be flown over an agricultural crop (i.e., biological target) such as a strawberry field or a state legalized marijuana field and the apparatus 100 will then advantageously spread the essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 over the selected biological target.

Referring still to the apparatus 100 in operation, the essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 are released from the hopper 200 when the auger 400 is spinning and the spiral like wire brushes 47 advantageously push or agitate the essentially beneficial biological organisms out and through the dispenser port 30. After the essentially beneficial organisms or materials (e.g., predatory mites such as persimilis mites) have been released from the dispenser port 30, they are beneficially spread over the target location by the spreader agitating device 500 as it spins while the apparatus 100 is flying over the target. Optionally, the flight path of the apparatus 100 can be advantageously controlled by a global positioning system (GPS) in order to uniformly apply the essentially beneficial biological organisms on and/or over the selected targets to be treated.

Turning now also to FIGS. 15A and 15B, in an alternative embodiment, dispersion components, including hopper 200, auger mount 300, auger 400, and spreader 500 are replaced with an alternative dispersion unit. Under this embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes drum 900. Drum 900 may comprise a hollow cylindrical container with an inner cavity 905 and defined by a circular base and an adjacent side wall. The side wall will optimally comprise a series of openings 907 sized such that essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 may freely pass through. Drum 900 may be mounted to an aerial vehicle, such as a UAV, or a manned or unmanned ground vehicle, such as a tractor or rover. Drum 900 may include a cap 910 for securing the essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 within the inner cavity 905 (See also FIG. 16). Cap 910 may also include a fastening means 914, such as clips or screws in order to secure cap 910 to the top of drum 900. Cap 910 may also include a motor holding area 912 which may couple with motor 38.

Optionally, the motor 38 can be securely fastened or mounted to a motor housing mount 38a which is securely fastened or mounted to a drum platform 900a (See FIGS. 16A-16B). In one embodiment, the drum platform 900a is advantageously coupled to a plurality of platform mounts 900b which are securely fastened to the drone or the aerial device (See FIGS. 16B-16C).

In another embodiment, drum 900 is aligned such that the central axis of the drum is substantially vertical or perpendicular to the ground. During operation, motor 38 rotates 920 drum 900. As drum 900 rotates, the centrifugal force 925 of the rotation 920 urges essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 radially outwards in the inner cavity 905. The centrifugal force 925 should be applied to the extent that essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 are urged through the series of openings 907. Porous or mesh screens 909 may be applied to openings 907 so that essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 will not pass through openings 907 during non-operation but will allow the passage of essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 only when the centrifugal force 925 is applied.

In an alternative embodiment, cylindrical drum 900 is arranged horizontally, such that the central axis of the drum 900 is substantially parallel to the ground, as seen in FIG. 15B. In this embodiment, gravity will urge essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 to a bottom area of the side wall of the inner cavity 905. During operation, motor 38 will rotate 920 drum 900 about its central axis. As drum 900 rotates, essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 contained in the inner cavity 905 will continue to roll towards the bottom area of the side wall, exposing essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 to openings 907 as openings 907 pass by the underside of the drum 900 during rotation. As essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 passes over openings, essentially beneficial biological organisms 7 or materials 9 will be released from drum 900 onto the desired surfaces. On occasions, the essentially biological organisms 7 or materials 9 in the drum will arrange itself due to biological preferences. For example, some organisms will migrate to the top of the group of the essentially biological organisms 7 or materials 9 in order to get access to air or light, or in some instances naturally gravitate upwards. Accordingly, the rotation of drum 900 serves to mix the biological organisms 7 or materials 9 so that different materials are all evenly distributed for dispersion.

These embodiments have the advantage of dispersing biological organisms 7 or materials 9 through movement of the drum 900, rather than an auger in a drum or container. Granular materials such as the biological organisms 7 or materials 9, have a tendency to result in an equilibrium state where the grains are more resistant to movement, such as a jammed state. Accordingly, it is beneficial to apply a force to the granular materials to unjam them. Referring again to FIG. 15b, for example, as drum 900 rotates, gravity acting on the biological organisms 7 or material 9 causes the biological organisms 7 or materials 9 to experience a tumble-like motion. This motion acts to separate grains from each other and eliminate or minimize any jammed grains.

In further embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 17-21, the dispersion unit comprises additional components for adjusting the size, shape, and/or number of openings. These embodiments give operators the ability to control the rate of dispersion of the biological organisms 7 or materials 9. Such control is desirable, since the optimal rate of dispersion is variable and depends, among other factors, on the type of crop, the size of the field, the type of organisms or materials to be dispersed, the speed and altitude of the vehicle, and environmental factors.

In various embodiments, dispersion control is achieved by means of a sleeve 1700 comprising a surface with a plurality of openings 1701 (see FIG. 17). The sleeve 1700 is arranged proximate to the surface of the drum 900, with its plurality of openings 907. For example, in various embodiments, the sleeve has a substantially cylindrical shape, configured to wrap around the cylindrical drum 900. The sleeve may thus be positioned such that its second plurality of openings 1701 overlap with the drum's first plurality of openings 907, forming gaps 1801, 1803 through which biological organisms 7 or materials 9 can pass (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). The sleeve 1700 may be positioned such that the sleeve openings 1701 are aligned 1801, unaligned 1802, or partially aligned 1803 with the drum openings 907. Adjusting this alignment modifies the size, shape, and/or number of gaps through which biological organisms 7 or materials 9 can pass.

The sleeve 1700 may be coupled to the dispersion unit drum 900 by means of a friction fit or may instead be coupled by means of a fixture element such as a screw 1702. In embodiments featuring a fixture element, a screw slide 1804 or similar element may be utilized to facilitate adjustment of the sleeve openings 1701 relative to the drum openings 907 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B). For example, in such embodiments, the sleeve 1700 may be rotated around the drum 900, within the path defined by the slide element 1804, when the fixture element 1702 is loosened, and the sleeve's position relative to the drum is fixed when the fixture element 1702 is tightened.

Particularly with respect to embodiments in which the dispersion unit is designed to be coupled to a UAV 800, it is desirable minimize the weight of the dispersion unit, including the dispersion control components. Reducing weight allows compatibility with a greater variety of vehicles and improves efficiency and maneuverability during flight. It is therefore desirable for the surface of the dispersion control sleeve to comprise the minimal surface area required to achieve the desired alignment 1801, non-alignment 1802, and/or partial alignment 1803 between the sleeve openings 1701 and drum openings 907. For example, the sleeve surface may comprise a spiral or helix shape 1703, configured to wrap around the dispersion drum, such that substantially the remainder of the drum surface 1704 is exposed.

Reduction of weight and surface area, however, must be balanced against other desirable structural characteristics; in particular, the sleeve 1700 must be sufficiently strong and durable to withstand repeated flight and must be sufficiently rigid to resist malformation when rotated and/or when repositioned relative to the drum 900. To achieve greater strength, durability, and rigidity, the sleeve surface may be reinforced with support structure 1705. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B, the support structure 1705 may comprise additional sleeve surface area forming narrow strips intersecting the sleeve's primary helical structure 1703 at oblique angles and arranged such that, when the sleeve is positioned around the drum, the length of the support structure 1705 is substantially perpendicular to the drum's cylindrical surface and substantially parallel to the drum's bases. FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20, and 21 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the support structure 1705, one which further increases sleeve rigidity. In this embodiment the support structure 1705 instead comprises a second helix shape, substantially inverse relative to the primary helical structure 1703 and intersecting the primary helical structure 1703.

The dispersion unit can be configured such that the drum 900 and sleeve 1700 rotate in unison, in which case the gaps 1801, 1803 formed by alignment of the sleeve openings 1701 and drum openings 907 remain constant during operation, unless the positioning of the sleeve is adjusted. Alternatively, the dispersion unit can be configured such that the sleeve 1700 remains in a fixed position while the drum 900 rotates, in which case alignment of the sleeve openings 1701 and drum openings 907 is dynamic during operation.

In various embodiments, dispersion drum 900 and sleeve 1700 may be coupled to an UAV 800 via a mounting strut 2001 (FIGS. 20 and 21). Strut 2001, drum 900, and sleeve 1700 may further be coupled to motor holding area 912, which houses the dispersion unit motor 38 that rotates drum 900.

In further embodiments, positioning of the dispersion control sleeve 1700 may be adjusted mechanically. For example, the dispersion unit may further comprise kinetic mechanisms configured to unlock, rotate, and re-lock the sleeve 1700 in response to electrical signals or other input. These mechanisms can be controlled remotely by a UAV operator, allowing dispersion rate to be modified mid-flight. Similarly, where the dispersion unit is coupled to a ground vehicle, the sleeve may be adjusted by a driver or remote operator. In alternative embodiments, sleeve positioning may be computer-controlled, such that adjustments are made automatically in response to data collected by sensors and/or other conditions, which conditions may be predetermined by the operator and/or determined dynamically by computer algorithms.

It is envisioned that in order to minimize a worker's need to interact with the biological organisms 7 or materials 9, hopper 200 or drum 900 may be unitized and sold as cartridges pre•filled with the biological organisms 7 or materials 9. This allows for a standardized mixture of the biological organisms 7 or materials 9 to be used without individual workers needing to measure and mix organisms prior to each use. In such an embodiment, hopper 200 or drum 900, would be filled with a mixture of the biological organisms 7 and or materials 9, and the cap secured. A thin removable covering may then be applied to the exterior of the hopper 200 or drum 900 to cover the dispersing ports. Accordingly, the biological organisms 7 or materials 9 will be secure in the hopper 200 or drum 900 during transport or non-use. Once the device is to be used, the removable covering can be removed, and exposing the dispersing ports so the biological organisms 7 or materials 9 may be released to the target area.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device 100 can be used to spread predatory mites on or over strawberry fields in order to control and/or to eradicate spider mites (i.e., prey).

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device 100 can be used to apply and/or spread various types of other materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, the application of seeds, dry chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, dry fertilizers, and the application of agricultural amendments.

The term “prey” refers to mites that are present specifically as prey for the predatory mites to feed on. The predatory mites may feed on any life stage of the prey mite, for example eggs, juveniles or adults.

The term “predatory mites” refers to mites that are predators of any pest. In particular, it refers to mites that are predators of crop pests. They may be predators of pests such as insects, nematodes or arachnids. Typically, the predator mites will be useful for control of the common crop pests such as thrips, spider mites and whitefly. Most predatory mites belong to the family Phytoseiidae (order Acarina). The most common predators used for biological control are Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius califomicus, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius degenerans, Hypoaspis miles, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Aphelinus abdominalis, Aphidius colemani, Chrysoperla carnea, Aphidius ervi, and Diglyphus isaea, all of which may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

Phytoseiulus persimilis is advantageously used in biological control programs for two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), and related Tetranychus species. The mites are predators as nymphs and adults, mostly feeding on spider mite eggs and nymphs, but also consuming adults.

It will be preferable to choose a predator that will not cause damage to the crop plant itself The predator mites may be used to control pests on one or more of the crop plants in the following, non-exhaustive list: tomato, sweet pepper, chilli pepper, aubergine, cucumber, beans, squash, melon, strawberry, raspberry, banana, papaya, apple, pear, plum, grape, rose, chrysanthemum, gerbera, begonia, cyclamen, corn, poinsettia, citrus, skimmia, choiysia, daphne and magnolia. Further, the crop can be selected from the group consisting of peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, roses, gerberas, melons and beans.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided at least one predatory mite, and at least one prey mite to act as a food source for said predatory mite.

It should be understood that the foregoing relates to various embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the designs mentioned in this application and the equivalent designs in this description, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for spreading biological organisms, comprising: A drum having an inner cavity for containing biological organisms, an outer wall, a central axis, and at least one base;At least one mount coupled to the drum, wherein the mount is configured to interface with an unmanned vehicle and to couple the apparatus to the unmanned vehicle;A motor coupled to the base of the drum and configured to rotate the drum about its central axis; andA plurality of openings in the outer wall of the drum, configured to allow passage of biological organisms from the inner cavity of the drum.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the unmanned vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an aerial drone.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drum's central axis is oriented substantially parallel to the ground.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the drum comprises a removable cap.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base of the drum comprises a motor holding area coupled to the motor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a drum platform and a plurality of platform mounts coupled to the drum platform.

8. A method for spreading biological organisms, the method comprising: Containing a plurality of biological organisms in a drum having an inner cavity, an outer wall having a plurality of openings, a central axis, and at least one base;Mounting the drum on an unmanned vehicle;Traversing over a target area with the unmanned vehicle;Rotating the drum by means of a motor coupled to the base of the drum, wherein the rotation causes the biological organisms to pass through the openings of the outer wall;Spreading the biological organisms over the target area by means of at least the rotation of the drum and the traversal of the unmanned vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the central axis of the drum is oriented substantially parallel to the ground and the biological organisms are urged through the openings in the outer wall of the drum by at least gravity and the rotation of the drum.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of mixing the biological organisms by rotating the drum.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine, in whole or in part, the path of the unmanned vehicle.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine, in whole or in part, the rotation of the drum.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the biological organisms are predatory mites.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the biological organisms are selected from a group consisting of: Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius califomicus, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius degenerans, Hypoaspis miles, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Aphelinus abdominalis, Aphidius colemani, Chrysoperla camea, Aphidius ervi, and Diglyphus isaea.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an aerial drone.

16. A system for spreading biological organisms, comprising: An unmanned vehicle;An apparatus mounted to the unmanned vehicle, the apparatus comprising a rotatable drum having an inner cavity substantially surrounded by an outer wall with a plurality of openings; andA plurality of biological organisms contained within the inner cavity of the drum, wherein the openings in the outer wall of the drum are configured to allow passage of the biological organisms out of the drum.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the biological organisms are predatory mites.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the biological organisms are selected from a group consisting of: Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius califomicus, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius degenerans, Hypoaspis miles, Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Aphelinus abdominalis, Aphidius colemani, Chrysoperla camea, Aphidius ervi, and Diglyphus isaea.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the unmanned vehicle is an aerial drone.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising a motor coupled to the apparatus and configured to rotate the rotatable drum of the apparatus.