Autonomous Crop Dusters Provide a New, Safer Way to Farm

Crop dusting planes are a key tool for keeping banana plantations free from pests, but the practice causes significant environmental and climate damage.

A small but growing number of plantations are using a novel solution: autonomous electric crop dusters that target spraying, reducing emissions and risks to workers’ health.

Startup Pyka’s aircraft — dubbed the Pelican Spray — is being used by major agricultural firms such as Dole Plc, SLC Agrícola SA and Heinen Brothers Agra Services, according to Michael Norcia, the company’s chief executive officer.

The technology has yet to displace gas-powered crop dusters in large numbers due in part ...