Precision Sensor Technology for Plant Breeding Wes Scruggs Soil 4213 4-25-03
Remote Sensing Is being able to collect data about an object without having to come into contact with the object.
Remote Sensing Tools Hand-Held Sensors Cameras mounted on aerial platforms Satellite-based systems
How Does Remote Sensing Work? Remote sensing measures the amount of electromagnetic energy that is reflected from objects.
Benefits of Remote Sensing Non-invasive method of measuring crop performance. Allows the user to collect huge quantities of data quickly, with little labor input.
Plant Breeding Altering the genetic makeup of crops Began in the fertile crescent many years ago. In the past data collection methods involved a pen and paper. The plant breeder's goal is to develop plant cultivars that will be more profitable for the producer and be safe for the environment.
Insect Control When breeding strains of insect resistant crops sensors can be useful. Infected plants can be more closely monitored for stress due to pests. Very helpful in choosing varieties.
Today, remote sensing has the potential to replace the old methods of data collection, which would save valuable time and money.
Plant breeders are able to detect and diagnose deficiencies and insect damage more efficiently with remote sensors.
Predicting biomass Better than just looking at the plant What if the plant appears to be healthy
The willingness to try True that precision sensing technologies are helping us to better crop yield. However, the plant breeder has not seen the usefulness of this technology.
Why not Although there is lots of research being done on the production of grain and other crops. There has not been much research done on the plant breeding side.
Conclusion The wave of new technology is here. Now, all we have to do is get people to use it.
Sources http://txprecag.tamu.edu/index.htm www.pioneer.com www.plantbreeding.org www.aben.cornell.edu/extension/pestapp/sites.htm www.monsanto.com “The Precision-Farming Guide For Agriculturists” 1997
Questions??