Better Droplet Deposition and Internode Shortening Effects of Plant Growth Regulator EDAH on Maize Applied by Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Than Electric Knapsack Sprayer

Maize (Zea mays L.) lodging is an important factor limiting its yield increase worldwide. EDAH (containing 27% ethephon and 3% DA-6) commonly used to decrease lodging. There urgent need select efficient application methods of agrochemical for better spray deposition. In our research, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (15 L ha−1 30 ha−1) with dosages 72 90 g a.i. ha−1, electric knapsack sprayers (EKS) (450 were compare the droplet deposition distribution, uniformity maize growth. According applied by UAV had a higher rate than EKS; EKS coverage rate, density, distribution uniformity. At same dosage EDAH, effect on controlling growth EKS, almost equal effects detected when UAVs was decreased 20%. Considering occurrence yield, we recommend that should be there weak heavy lodging, volume 15 ha−1.