Key Takeaways
- Rovensa Next is a key industry partner in the FAUVE research project led by Université de Technologie de Compiègne.
- Early trials show up to 57% reduction in wind drift and up to 63% reduction in fine droplets during spraying.
- The project explores ultra-low-volume drone spraying to reduce water use and environmental impact.
- Field trials are underway in France and Brazil across multiple crops and use cases.
- Research outcomes are expected to inform future adjuvant product development.
Rovensa Next Partners in FAUVE Project to Improve Spray Precision
Rovensa Next is advancing research into ultra-low-volume crop spraying as a key partner in the FAUVE project, led by the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC) in France. The initiative is funded by the Hauts-de-France Region and runs from January 2024 to July 2026.
The project evaluates how drones and adjuvants can improve the precision, efficiency, and sustainability of crop protection applications. Early results indicate improvements in spray performance, including reductions of up to 57% in wind drift and up to 63% in the formation of fine droplets during herbicide applications.
Rovensa Next Research Focuses on Water Efficiency and Reduced Inputs
The FAUVE project aligns with Rovensa Next’s sustainability priorities, particularly improving resource efficiency while maintaining farm performance. Research parameters include droplet size, application volume, spray coverage, and spreading behavior when agri-inputs are applied via drones at ultra-low volumes.
“This project is a great opportunity to continue pushing innovation in two areas that really matter to us at Rovensa Next: using less water and reducing the amount of product required by farmers in their crops,” said Cédric Ernenwein, Global R&D Product Design Manager at Rovensa Next.
Field Trials Conducted in France and Brazil
The FAUVE project includes laboratory testing, wind tunnel experiments, and early field trials across different crops and regulatory environments in Europe and South America.
Results from Vineyard, Banana, Soybean, and Corn Trials
In France, research focuses on enabling authorized drone applications for biocontrol and low-risk substances, particularly in vineyards and banana crops. Early findings indicate improved spray stability and coverage, even with high-load formulations such as copper and sulphur.
In Brazil, trials are focused on large-scale soybean and corn systems. Wind tunnel testing is used to evaluate droplet behavior and drift reduction under varying nozzle types, pressures, and formulations.
Early Prototype Results and Adjuvant Development
Initial prototypes tested within the FAUVE project showed reductions of 35% to 63% in fine droplet formation, 40% to 57% in wind drift, and a 2.5-fold reduction in foam during high-speed blending.
Rovensa Next Develops Natural-Based Adjuvant Solutions
Rovensa Next has developed an adjuvant solution for the Brazilian market based on natural oil derivatives, designed to function as an anti-drift, anti-foam, spreading, and penetrant aid. The formulation is currently being validated under field conditions, with plans to expand availability to other markets.
Exploring NADES-Based Adjuvants for Drone Applications
A central innovation area within FAUVE is the study of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). These biodegradable mixtures derived from plant ingredients are being evaluated for their performance in ultra-low-volume drone spraying.
Implications for Future Product Development
Researchers are assessing spray uniformity, plant surface interaction, and off-target drift reduction, including the ability of NADES-based adjuvants to improve penetration without surfactants. Insights from FAUVE are expected to guide future adjuvant development and broader application strategies at Rovensa Next.
