Forestry Stewardship Series - Drone-based Herbicide Application Efficacy for Priority Invasive Plants

The University of Illinois Extension Forestry shares the Forestry Stewardship webinar over drone-based herbicide applications for invasive plants have been increasing due to their low cost, the increasing availability of contract applicators, and decreasing equipment costs. However, recommendations for effective drone-based treatments of invasive plants are sparse. This talk will focus on a project to evaluate the efficacy of drone-based herbicide applications on priority invasive plants, including common reed (Phragmites australis), autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), and bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). This presentation will provide an overview of the findings, recommendations for successful drone treatments, and next steps to improve this emerging technology in natural resource management.

The 2026 Forestry Stewardship Webinar Series features a series of five presentations from Forestry Experts each Wednesday at 2:00 pm Central on July 29 and August 5, 12, 19, and 26. You can choose to sign up for any or all of them! Virtual sessions are 1-hour in length, open to the public, and free to attend. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Continuing Education credits have been applied for.