Root Applied Sciences leverages sophisticated diagnostic methodologies to detect the presence of pathogens in crops at an early stage. This proactive approach enables agricultural professionals to implement effective disease management strategies, minimizing the impact on crop yield and quality. The Precision Pathogen Monitoring system offers a comprehensive solution for early disease detection and management, helping farmers optimize their operations and reduce costs.
By providing timely and accurate information about pathogen presence, Root Applied Sciences empowers growers to make informed decisions about fungicide applications and other interventions. This not only reduces the environmental impact of farming but also improves the overall sustainability of agricultural practices.
Key Features
Root Applied Sciences' Precision Pathogen Monitoring system uses a network of in-field sensors to monitor the air for pathogen spores. The sensors actively draw air into a tube where spores are captured. Sample tubes are collected and sent to Root's lab for DNA-based quantification of spores. The system outperforms traditional spore traps by capturing 10 times more air volume and protects samples from UV light degradation. Results are typically returned within 24 hours of sample receipt.
Version 2.0 includes updated units with improved housing, battery life, and remote monitoring capabilities. The online dashboard provides a user-friendly interface for viewing data on a map and in charts, allowing growers to quickly identify areas of high disease risk. Geo-referenced alerts of disease risk based on spore loads enable targeted interventions, minimizing the need for broad-spectrum fungicide applications.
The DNA-based analysis provides accurate spore quantification, ensuring reliable results. Early detection of airborne pathogens, up to several weeks before visual symptoms appear, allows for timely intervention and prevention of outbreaks. The automated, in-field DNA-based analysis is stable over time despite fluctuating environmental conditions and dust, ensuring consistent performance.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sample Analysis Time | 24 hours |
| Air Volume Captured | 10x more than traditional spore traps |
| Technology | DNA-based spore quantification |
| Version | 2.0 |
| Housing | Improved weather-resistant housing |
| Connectivity | Remote monitoring capabilities |
| Reporting | Online dashboard with map and charts |
| Stability | Stable DNA analysis despite environmental conditions |
| Sampling Method | Active air sampling |
Use Cases & Applications
- Powdery Mildew Management in Vineyards: Grapevine growers use the system to monitor powdery mildew spores, enabling them to apply fungicides only when necessary, reducing costs and environmental impact.
- Early Warning System for Airborne Pathogens: Farmers growing crops like spinach and lettuce use the system to detect airborne pathogens early, preventing outbreaks and minimizing crop losses.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies: The system supports IPM strategies by providing accurate data on pathogen presence, allowing for targeted interventions and reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Fungicide Reduction in Apple Orchards: Apple growers use the system to monitor for fungal diseases, enabling them to reduce fungicide use by applying treatments only when spore loads exceed a certain threshold.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Early detection of airborne pathogens weeks before visual symptoms | Initial setup and sensor deployment required |
| DNA-based analysis for accurate spore quantification | Requires sending samples to Root's lab for analysis |
| Reduces fungicide use by 20-80% | Subscription-based service with recurring costs |
| Online dashboard for viewing data on a map and in charts | May require some training to interpret data effectively |
| Improved sampling captures 10x more air volume than traditional spore traps | Limited crop applications currently (primarily grapevines) |
Benefits for Farmers
Root Applied Sciences' Precision Pathogen Monitoring system offers significant benefits for farmers, including reduced fungicide costs, improved crop yields, and enhanced sustainability. By providing early and accurate information about pathogen presence, the system enables growers to make informed decisions about disease management, optimizing their operations and minimizing losses. The system also supports integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
Integration & Compatibility
The online dashboard provided by Root Applied Sciences can be integrated with other farm management systems via API, allowing growers to incorporate pathogen monitoring data into their existing workflows. This enables seamless data sharing and facilitates data-driven decision-making across the entire farm operation. The system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of farming practices and can be adapted to suit the specific needs of individual growers.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | Root Applied Sciences' Precision Pathogen Monitoring system uses in-field sensors to draw air and capture pathogen spores. Sample tubes are then sent to Root's lab for DNA-based quantification, and the results are delivered within 24 hours via an online dashboard. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The system enables growers to reduce fungicide applications by spraying only when needed, resulting in significant cost savings on chemicals and labor. Furthermore, early detection prevents outbreaks, minimizing crop yield loss and maintaining quality. |
| What setup is required? | The system involves deploying a network of in-field sensors to monitor the air. Growers need to collect sample tubes periodically and send them to Root's lab for analysis. Version 2.0 includes updated units with improved housing, battery life, and remote monitoring capabilities. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Maintenance primarily involves ensuring the sensors are functioning correctly and replacing the sample tubes as needed. The updated housing in Version 2.0 offers improved weather resistance, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. |
| Is training required to use this? | While the system is designed to be user-friendly, some training may be beneficial to understand the data presented on the online dashboard and interpret the geo-referenced alerts. Root Applied Sciences may offer training resources or support to facilitate adoption. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The system provides data through an online dashboard, which can be integrated with other farm management systems via API. This allows growers to incorporate pathogen monitoring data into their existing workflows and decision-making processes. |
Pricing & Availability
Indicative price: 8,000 USD per customer per season for the grapevine powdery mildew subscription service. Pricing may vary depending on the specific configuration, region, and subscription terms. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
