Is using DJI drones effective for spraying durian trees?

• Why durian growers choose spraying drones
• Criteria for evaluating the use of durian-spraying drones
• Advantages and disadvantages of using durian-spraying drones
• Real-world results of using durian-spraying drones
• Comparison: durian-spraying drone vs traditional methods
• Investment and implementation recommendations
• Conclusion

Why durian growers choose spraying drones

In many durian orchards - especially in the Central Highlands and Southeast Vietnam - farmers face three key challenges:

1. Labor shortages for manual spraying,
2. Tall, dense trees that are hard to reach,
3. Short time windows for pest control due to early flowering or rainy seasons.

Therefore, using DJI durian-spraying drones has become a technological step forward, helping reduce labor, increase efficiency, and achieve even canopy coverage.

For example, in Thailand, a durian grower using a DJI drone to spray a 14-hectare orchard reported completing the job in just 1–2 days instead of four with manual spraying.

This leads to the key question: is drone spraying for durians truly effective, and is it worth the investment?

Criteria for evaluating the use of durian-spraying drones

To properly assess the efficiency of durian-spraying drones, several technical and operational factors should be considered:

1. Coverage efficiency and canopy penetration

Durian trees often grow 6–10 meters tall with wide, multi-layered canopies. The drone must fly at adjustable heights and deliver fine, penetrating spray droplets. Studies show that upper canopy coverage is often higher than the middle or lower layers, which remain harder to reach.

2. Chemical usage and droplet size

Droplets must be fine enough to adhere and absorb effectively. DJI’s data indicates that drone spraying can reduce chemical use by 20–30% compared to manual methods. Optimizing the nozzles, spray pressure, and flight path is key to achieving both efficiency and cost savings.

3. Spraying speed and labor productivity

Compared to manual sprayers, drones can cover large orchards quickly. For instance, in Vietnam’s sloped durian–coffee farms, a DJI T30 completed 9.9 hectares in 2.5 days, whereas manual spraying required over 10 days - a significant improvement during the rainy season when time is critical.

4. Operation in complex terrains

Durian orchards are rarely flat. Many include slopes, mixed crops, and uneven terrain. A durian-spraying drone equipped with obstacle sensors and automated flight mapping can navigate safely - something ground-based methods struggle with.

Advantages and disadvantages of using durian-spraying drones

Key advantages

• Reduced chemical use and cost: Thai research shows drones can cut pesticide consumption by 20–30% versus manual spraying.
• Higher spraying productivity: One DJI T30 can treat up to 40 rai (≈6.4 ha) per day, compared to about 5 rai/day manually - an 8× increase.
• Access to tall, dense canopies: Drones can spray the upper and inner canopy effectively, unlike backpack or ground sprayers.
• Operator and environmental safety: The operator stays clear of chemicals, reducing exposure and contamination risks.
• Supports smart farming: Drones can collect aerial data, generate 3D maps, and plan optimal spraying routes - advancing orchard management.

Disadvantages and limitations

• High upfront investment: Professional models like DJI T30 or T40 cost hundreds of millions of VND, plus maintenance and battery expenses.
• Requires skilled operation: To maximize results, operators must plan routes, adjust spray pressure, and choose ideal weather conditions. Poor handling may lead to uneven coverage.
• Dense or extremely tall trees: In very thick canopies, middle and lower branches may still receive insufficient spray.
• Weather dependency: Strong winds or rain can affect droplet distribution; calm, dry hours are ideal for spraying.
• Legal and safety compliance: Some regions require drone registration, flight permits, and insurance. Neglecting these may result in legal issues.

→ When properly operated, durian-spraying drones offer major advantages, but they are not a “one-size-fits-all” solution and should be applied under the right conditions.

Real-world results of using durian-spraying drones

Case study – Thailand

At a durian farm in Chumphon Province, the DJI AGRAS T30 achieved up to 98% pest control on 7–8 m tall trees using a spray height of ~3 m and a flight speed of 1.2 m/s. The drone completed 40 rai per day, while manual spraying covered only 5 rai - an 8× efficiency gain.

Case study – Vietnam (sloped terrain)

In Binh Thuan, where durians and coffee are intercropped on hilly land, the DJI AGRAS T30 sprayed 9.9 hectares in 2.5 days, using 120 L/ha at a speed of ~1.6 m/s - saving significant labor and time compared to manual methods.

Industry data

DJI’s Agricultural Drone Industry Insight Report shows drone use can reduce operational costs by ~50% and pesticide use by ~51% across various crops. While not durian-specific, the data reinforces the positive potential of this technology.

→ Overall, the results demonstrate that durian-spraying drones deliver excellent performance when operated under suitable conditions.

Comparison: durian-spraying drone vs traditional methods

When drones are better

• Large orchards (≥ several hectares) with tall, wide canopies
• Complex terrain or intercropped areas
• Urgent pest control needs (e.g., before heavy rains)
• Farms seeking long-term cost reduction and smart management

When traditional spraying is still suitable

• Small orchards (<1 ha) or low trees
• Limited investment capacity
• Areas with flight restrictions or high wind conditions
• Occasional or small-scale spraying tasks

Investment and implementation recommendations

Choose the right drone and configuration

• Prioritize fruit tree models like DJI AGRAS T30 or T40, proven effective for tall durian trees.
• Select a tank capacity of 20–40 liters for continuous operation.
• Ensure nozzle pressure, anti-collision sensors, and mapping features meet standards.
• Use software for 3D mapping and route optimization.

Establish a standard operating workflow

• Survey the orchard and map obstacles before flight.
• Spray in calm weather - early morning or late afternoon.
• Use settings optimized for durian canopies (e.g., 3–4 m spray height, ~1.2 m/s flight speed).
• Clean and maintain nozzles, propellers, and sensors after each use.

Calculate ROI and long-term savings

• Include drone cost, training, accessories, and maintenance.
• Consider savings from reduced labor, chemical use, and pest damage.
• Many large orchards achieve payback within 1–2 years of consistent use.

Ensure legal and safety compliance

• Verify local drone flight regulations and restricted zones.
• Obtain necessary flight licenses and insurance.
• Keep spraying records (date, area, chemicals used) for traceability and audits.

Conclusion

Using DJI durian-spraying drones has proven highly effective across multiple case studies - increasing spraying speed, improving canopy coverage, reducing chemical use, and cutting labor costs. However, the best results are achieved when farms meet key conditions: large areas, tall trees, trained operators, and proper workflows. For smaller farms or limited budgets, traditional spraying methods remain a reasonable alternative.

FAQs about durian-spraying drones

Can drones spray durians at night?

Yes, if equipped with navigation lights and night-vision sensors. However, spraying should only be done in stable weather and without fog.

Do durian-spraying drones need to be registered with authorities?

Yes. In many regions, unmanned aircraft must be registered, especially when operating over large areas or near residential zones.

Can drones also apply fertilizer or foliar nutrients?

Yes. Multifunctional models like DJI T20P or T40 can be fitted with spreading modules for granular fertilizer or foliar feeding.

Do drones affect durian flower pollination?

No, provided spraying avoids peak flowering stages. Spraying during full bloom should be avoided to prevent pollination disturbance.

Are there any chemicals unsuitable for drone spraying?

Yes. Avoid powder-based or coarse-grained formulations, as they may clog nozzles. Use liquid or micro-emulsion types compatible with centrifugal sprayers.