A recent workshop focused on training students from universities across the country in the application of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for wheat phenomics research. The workshop, held as part of the Wheat Coordinated Agricultural Project (WheatCAP), aimed to provide students with hands-on experience and knowledge in UAS technology and data collection techniques.
Led by Texas A&M AgriLife, WheatCAP brings together multiple institutions to enhance public wheat breeding programs. The workshop, held in Amarillo, Texas, served as a platform to train students in collecting high-quality data using UAS for various aspects of wheat research, including plant height, canopy cover, canopy volume, and vegetation indices.
The project emphasizes student involvement, providing them with opportunities to engage in research and gain practical experience in traditional plant breeding and cutting-edge UAS technology. The standardized data collected across multiple locations during the growing season will contribute to a deeper understanding of growth dynamics and the interaction between genotypes and the environment.
The workshop covered essential topics such as field trial layout, UAS equipment preparation, data uploading, and analysis. Students had the opportunity to fly UAS and collect data, which they could later apply to their own research projects. The training aimed to equip students with the necessary tools and techniques to enhance data collection and analysis, ultimately contributing to the development of improved wheat varieties.
By combining UAS technology, advanced data analysis, and traditional breeding methods, the collaborative efforts between institutions aim to strengthen public wheat breeding programs and advance research in the field. The workshop provided a valuable platform for students to learn and apply UAS phenomics in their research endeavors.
Source : wisconsinagconnection