This spring, for the first time, a drone was used to pollinate apple blossoms. The drone pollinated trees on a test plot. This was done in the American state of New York. They are going to investigate whether this kind of pollinated results in higher, better quality yields. A so-called hexacopter was used to spread the pollen. This method has already been used with cherries and almonds. Technically, a drone can pollinate a larger area in an hour than bees can in two weeks. Drones can also be used in cold weather when bees are dormant.

In the video, it can be seen how the drones fly back and forth over the rows of trees. They do this in a predetermined pattern at a height of about 2,5 metres above the treetops. 

The pollination drone was developed by the American companies, Dropcopter and Syracuse.