First high-resolution vertical-looking radar for long-term automatic observation of high-flying insects in Asia

BACKGROUND

The increasing occurrence of migrant insect pests poses a serious threat to the sustainability of agriculture and to food security. Continuous monitoring of high-flying insects plays a crucial role in developing effective pest management strategies and implementing successful control measures.

RESULTS

The present study established vertical-looking radar (VLR) monitoring of insects in Henan Province, China, with a unit incorporating up-to-date high frequency digitization technology and rapid target-finding procedures. This radar produced detailed information on target identification (size, shape, wingbeat frequency) and flight behavior (flight time, height, track speed, track direction, body alignment, and climb rate) for insects flying at altitudes of from 70 m to 1810 m above the ground. The lowest detection range for insects is lower than that (150 m) normal in previous VLR systems. The VLR-inferred tracking of small insects could also provide accurate estimates of wind velocity.

CONCLUSION

The VLR achieved long-term automatic observation of high-flying insects for the first time in Asia. This provided a unique tool for automatic long-term monitoring of high-flying insects to help to answer some basic scientific questions, such as the impacts of climate change on insect populations, and provide surveillance information for insect pest control in this region. The three-step target identification method and the performance calibration protocol for the VLR established in this study are both straightforward and reliable. These methods can be easily implemented and adapted for use in other settings, making them valuable tools for enhancing radar-based entomological research and monitoring. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.