New AI project to focus on herbicide-resistant weeds

May 21, 2024

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new project focusing on the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds in Canada.

The project will focus on the development of an AI-powered early detection system.

Founder and CEO of Precision AI Dan McCann says by using AI to detect resistance early and provide precision herbicide application, we have a realistic path to reducing or even eliminating resistant strains in Canada.

"We look forward to our collaboration with Protein Industries Canada, Geco Strategic Weed Management, Global Institute for Food Security and Sure Growth Solutions in the essential work of helping conquer herbicide-resistant weeds, which are a growing threat to Canadian producers."

The new AI software application will utilize drone and satellite imagery to examine each weed in the field to help farmers and agronomists identify and treat herbicide-resistant weeds.

A total of $6.2 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada investing $2.8 million and the partners investing the remainder.

More information on the project can be found here.

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: New research chair appointed to accelerate crop variety development

Funded by Sask Wheat, the Wheat Pre-Breeding Chair position was established to enhance cereal research breeding and training activities in the USask Crop Development Centre (CDC) by accelerating variety development through applied genomics and pre-breeding strategies.

“As the research chair, Dr. Valentyna Klymiuk will design and deploy leading-edge strategies and technologies to assess genetic diversity for delivery into new crop varieties that will benefit Saskatchewan producers and the agricultural industry,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at USask. “We are grateful to Sask Wheat for investing in USask research as we work to develop the innovative products that strengthen global food security.”

With a primary focus on wheat, Klymiuk’s research will connect discovery research, gene bank exploration, genomics, and breeding to translate gene discovery into improved varieties for Saskatchewan’s growing conditions.