Can you imagine a world where a farmer automatically receives a warning each time a potential problem is detected in his fields? Or where the potential threat this may pose is automatically calculated making decision-making simple? And, when action is needed, can you imagine the farmer being able to spray just a tiny amount of pesticide directly at the problem, secure in the knowledge the pest has been dealt with?
This kind of scenario is not as far-fetched as you may think. A group of researchers is working hard in the Endure-programme to explore and maximise the benefits innovative technologies can bring to agriculture. |
Applying pesticides to only the spots that need it is the goal for researchers working on advanced spraying machinery. |
The work is based on the knowledge that if we can detect diseases, pests and weeds much earlier than is possible at present, it makes it much easier to limit the amount of chemicals that subsequently need to be used. Furthermore, early detection makes it possible to use more environmentally friendly measures such as biological controls or other techniques to control the problem.
The Endure group is seeking to identify the best innovative diagnostic tools and examining how best these may be combined and integrated with precision spraying techniques to reduce pesticide use to the absolute minimum needed for crop protection.
The team has so far produced three reviews.
- The first review describes techniques for detecting plant pathogens in air, soil, starting material and in the fields, with the team examining both molecular and serological diagnostic tools.
- The second review focuses on the existing technologies and research prototypes for precision spraying
- The third review describes how diagnostic tools can facilitate the use of precision spraying techniques and from this an innovative cropping system will be designed based on four key stages:
- Prevention: Guaranteeing the cropping system begins with disease-free starting material and soil.
- Monitoring: Detecting pathogens and pests in the air and field.
- Interpretation: Transferring detection data into spraying maps with required dosages.
- Application: Deciding which spraying technique should be used given the specific demands for the application.