Sensors May Spot Sick Crops Before Farmers Can See Them

At a glance

North Dakota State University researchers spotted sudden-death syndrome in soybeans before the plants showed visible signs. They used hyperspectral imaging (a camera that splits light into many narrow bands) to notice differences a few days to a week early.

Key points

1. 1

   The researchers told healthy and sick plants apart 12 days after planting in a greenhouse.

2. 2

   The differences appeared several days to about a week before symptoms were visible.

3. 3

   The method has not yet been tested in real fields.

4. 4

   Research-grade hyperspectral cameras cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is too expensive for most farmers.

Why it matters

Catching disease early could let farmers act before damage spreads, and it could lead to cheaper farm sensors.