Estimating defoliation from remotely sensed imagery obtained from an unmanned aerial system

The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as a platform for remote sensing is undergoing unprecedented growth.  Still, considerable research is necessary to develop this technology to the point where its potential is fully realized.  We use the development of defoliation models for two different cropping systems to discuss some of the challenges, solutions, advantages and limitations we have (so far) encountered in applying this technology in IPM.