AgroScout

The AgroScout system combines data from multiple sensors (covering an entire field); external data from weather, satellite, local sensors; machine learning; and deep learning to accurately and autonomously detect, identify, and monitor diseases in the field.

This data will be analyzed by AgroScout’s algorithms to detect and identify disease and pests. The resulting data will be uploaded to the cloud, and farmers will receive actionable insights on their computer or mobile phone notifying them of disease location and status, with recommendations for treatment.

Advantages

AgroScout offers farmers key advantages for reducing the spread of disease and increasing profits:

• More efficient and lower cost scouting and detection from the early disease stages
• Disease detection to the accuracy level of the individual plant
• Expanded field coverage in area and frequency
• Reduced systemic fungicide applications for cost savings and adherence to evolving regulations
• Potential increase in crop yields

AgroScout CEO Simcha Shore (2nd from right) presents to the head of the Ukrainian Potato Institute and the head of the Ukrainian Agricultural Research Agency at AGRO-2018, Kiev, 6-9 June 2018.

Successful proof of concept

AgroScout’s first target for its early detection and monitoring of crop diseases is potatoes.

Farms are losing a significant percentage (about 20%) of their yield to disease. At the same time, farmers are looking to reduce the amount of chemical pesticides and fungicides used to treat disease to lower high pesticide costs and comply with increasing regulations.

Today, scouts perform visual checks in different parts of the field every few days. However, this provides limited coverage (between 5% and 10%), so diseases are often detected only at later stages when its has spread and caused significant damage. New technologies gaining traction include drones for aerial imaging and in-field precision ag systems/apps; yet, none offer the efficient, accurate, and complete coverage needed to catch disease at the earliest stages.

AgroScout’s first target is the potato market, the fourth most important crop in the world. Initial geographic markets are the United States and Western Europe, together more than 1 million hectares. Future crop targets will include soybeans, wheat, carrots, peas, and beans.