Cambridgeshire, 16 July 2025 — In a pioneering collaboration, De Sangosse and AutoSpray Systems have completed the UK’s first autonomous drone application of Pod-Stik in field beans. The trial marks a significant step forward for precision harvest protection and highlights the potential of cutting-edge drone technology to transform input delivery across the UK arable sector.
The application, carried out at Park Hill Farm, Cambridgeshire, saw De Sangosse’s pod sealant Pod-Stik applied to a commercial crop of Tundra winter beans, using an autonomous XAG P100 spray drone operated by AutoSpray Systems. The goal: deliver targeted protection against shatter losses in one of the UK’s most brittle and yield-variable break crops.
“This trial shows drone application is not only possible—it’s practical, precise, and potentially transformational for crops like beans,” said Rob Suckling, Commercial Technical Manager at De Sangosse. “Following recent success in oilseed rape, we wanted to explore the value of Pod-Stik in pulses, where pod shatter and mechanical losses can be just as severe – if not worse.”
Protecting the Best Bean Crop in a Decade
Farm Manager Richard Cobbald, who manages over 3,400 hectares as part of a joint venture across Bartlow Estate and Streetly Hall Farms, as well as managing West Wratting Park Estate, hosted the trial. With 70 hectares of beans grown as a key break crop, he sees enormous potential in drone-applied protection.
“Beans can be great one year and disappointing the next—but this season they’ve looked the best we’ve seen in a decade,” Richard says. “We’ve never used a pod sealant in beans before, but the risk of shatter and brittle pods at harvest is huge. We’ve even resorted to combining at night just to reduce potential losses of 50%.”
He continues: “The drone application gave great coverage—even on the undersides of the pods—and that’s something a conventional sprayer just can’t achieve. That’s a real game changer.”
Rethinking Drift: When Downwash Becomes an Advantage
One of the most surprising and important findings was the benefit of the drone’s rotor-induced downwash.
“Many farmers assume drones increase drift risk – but actually, the controlled downward airflow from the rotors becomes an advantage,” explains Rob. “It pushes droplets directly into the canopy and delivers Pod-Stik right to the target zone – especially those lower pods we’re trying to protect.”
This vortex effect, created beneath the drone, proved vital in achieving deposition on shaded surfaces – including critical areas where pod shatter begins.
Technical Innovation on Display
The trial assessed four different drone application techniques over a 4-hectare block, using a UV tracer dye to evaluate coverage on the key target area: the pod seam (or suture), where shattering begins.
Treatments tested:
- 100 L/ha water, 350-micron droplets @ 6 m/s
- 100 L/ha water, 230-micron droplets @ 6 m/s
- 50 L/ha water, 230-micron droplets @ 6 m/s
- 100 L/ha water, 230-micron droplets @ 12 m/s
“Reducing droplet size from 350 to 230 microns made a clear difference, particularly along the pod seam,” Rob notes. “The drone not only got coverage deep into the canopy at 100 L/ha water volume, but it also achieved coverage on the underside of lower pods – which are usually the first to ripen and shatter.”
Richard agrees: “You could visibly see the vortex pulling droplets onto the back of pods. That’s just not possible with a boom sprayer – no matter the water volume.”
Notably, drone coverage wasn’t compromised at higher speeds. In fact, 12 m/s (36 km/hr) gave better results than 6 m/s, confirming the system’s capability for real-world commercial use.
A Step Toward Smarter, Sustainable Farming
The trial builds on AutoSpray Systems’ mission to make autonomous application part of everyday farming practice. Their XAG P100 Pro drone, capable of covering up to 20 hectares per hour, offers reduced soil compaction, precision targeting, and flexibility in challenging field conditions.
Robert Pearson, Founder and CEO of AutoSpray Systems, says this is a landmark moment for drone-enabled farming “We’re not just showcasing a novel way to apply Pod-Stik. We’re proving that aerial application solves real agronomic challenges – and can be deployed right now. We’re already working with farmers to apply products commercially.”
Wider Implications
While this trial focused on a low-risk harvest aid, both companies believe it sets the stage for a broader future.
“With regulatory progress underway on drone spraying, we’re moving toward the safe, efficient application of CRD-approved crop protection products,” Robert adds.
“It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to farm – and this trial is a glimpse of what’s possible.”
About AutoSpray Systems: AutoSpray Systems is leading the agri-drone revolution in the UK.
Its purpose is to revolutionise UK agriculture through the safe, smart, and sustainable use of autonomous drone technology. From setting regulatory standards to training the next generation
of pilots, AutoSpray is building the infrastructure and trust the sector needs to thrive.
About DeSangosse: De Sangosse is a European leader in complementary chemistry and
molluscicides providing growers with innovative new approaches to protecting crops against
disease, pests and the effects of adverse weather from seed to harvest.