By Andi Anderson
Evergreen FS has been awarded a U.S. patent for its groundbreaking Crop Disease Prediction and Associated Methods and Systems tool, which utilizes advanced machine learning to forecast potential crop diseases.
The patent, identified as U.S. Patent No. 12,029,147, marks a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering farmers an innovative way to protect their crops.
This newly patented tool leverages the power of data science and artificial intelligence to analyze various factors, including weather conditions, soil composition, and pathogen pressure, to create predictive models.
These models are designed to alert farmers to potential disease outbreaks, enabling them to take preventive measures before significant crop damage occurs.
Scott Plato, senior manager of agronomy innovation & technology at Evergreen FS, emphasized the tool's importance.
"This technology will really help the farmers we serve because the models can forecast potential disease outbreaks, enabling farmers to take proactive measures to protect their crops sooner," he explained. By reducing the risk of disease damage, farmers can potentially achieve higher yields and improve their financial outcomes.
Traditionally, fungicide applications were based on human observations and the crop growth stage, often leading to treatments being applied too late. With Evergreen FS's new tool, agronomists and farmers receive data-driven advice on the optimal timing for treatments, minimizing the risk of disease.
"The machine learning component has the benefit of compiling data and extrapolating insights that would otherwise go unseen by only relying on our human scouts to detect," Plato added.
One practical application of this tool was its early detection of Tar Spot and northern corn leaf pathogens in Illinois earlier this year. This early detection provided valuable insight, allowing for timely intervention that would have been more challenging without the tool's advanced predictive capabilities.
Evergreen FS's crop disease prediction tool is part of the broader Agtrinsic platform, which includes other disease detection features, all aimed at enhancing crop management and protecting agricultural productivity.
This innovative tool represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to use technology to improve farming practices and ensure food security.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: Illinois, Equipment & Machinery, General