New sensors and software technologies are being trialled to help farmers protect their crops

Farmers are piloting new sensor and software technologies that allow them to better protect their crops before they are infected by crop pathogens.

The system includes a piece of online software that collects and records geographic data and real-time weather conditions to predict the probability of infection.

The software has a mathematical model that predicts how likely it is that a particular pathogen will break out near a particular field.

These farmers can then use a simple test kit to confirm that the pathogen is indeed present in a particular location, and apply the pesticide according to the actual situation.

Roy Kennedy, director of the Pollen and Atmospheric Biology Research Unit (NPARU) at the University of Worcester, led the development of the technology, which was funded by the Department for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

These devices look similar to those used in hospitals to test pregnant women, but their purpose is to measure the amount of pathogenic bacteria in plants. It visualizes the measured numbers in front of you in a calibrated graph that tells you how many reproductive spores are present in the air.

Kennedy added that being able to get the news early in the infection process means that farmers will no longer waste time and money, and because they can predict airborne diseases, they will be able to provide more targeted protection for large-scale crops.

We have several different sets of equipment that detect different pathogens for different crops. These pathogens will be detected before they are infected.

The system is now being tested by a number of agricultural technology consultants, including the Lincolnshire Garlic and Kale Centre.