This Early-Warning Machine Alerts Farmers If a Fungal Outbreak Occurs
Katherine Pendrill — September 17, 2015 — Eco
References: imperialcreatelab & fastcoexist
'FungiAlert' is an early-warning system that lets farmers know if a fungal outbreak threatens to ruin their crops. While many farmers use fungicide to protect their crops, these sprays can be toxic and overuse can lead to resistance. This clever alert system helps farmers protect their crops without the need to use harmful chemicals.
FungiAlert was developed by two PhD students at Imperial College London. The system is an in-field device that can be planted directly into the soil. The device contains specific chemicals that attract spores from the soil. If the presence of fungi is detected, the device will immediately change color and send out an alert to the farmer's smartphone. FungiAlert makes it easier for framers to know if their crops are threatened by a fungal outbreak so that they can take immediate action.
While the product is not on the market yet, the students aim to begin manufacturing the early-warning system in the near future.
FungiAlert was developed by two PhD students at Imperial College London. The system is an in-field device that can be planted directly into the soil. The device contains specific chemicals that attract spores from the soil. If the presence of fungi is detected, the device will immediately change color and send out an alert to the farmer's smartphone. FungiAlert makes it easier for framers to know if their crops are threatened by a fungal outbreak so that they can take immediate action.
While the product is not on the market yet, the students aim to begin manufacturing the early-warning system in the near future.
Trend Themes
1. Fungal Outbreak Detection - The development of FungiAlert showcases the trend of using advanced technology to detect and alert farmers about potential fungal outbreaks in their crops.
2. Chemical-free Crop Protection - FungiAlert represents the trend of using innovative devices to protect crops without relying on harmful chemicals, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.
3. Smart Agricultural Monitoring - The integration of FungiAlert with smartphones highlights the trend of utilizing smart technology for real-time monitoring and quick response in the agricultural sector.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - The agriculture industry can leverage FungiAlert to improve crop protection and minimize losses caused by fungal outbreaks, promoting efficiency and sustainability.
2. Technology - The technology industry has an opportunity to develop and manufacture advanced monitoring systems like FungiAlert for various agricultural applications, bridging the gap between agriculture and technology sectors.
3. Environmental Solutions - FungiAlert offers an innovative solution to reduce the use of toxic fungicides, creating opportunities for the environmental solutions industry to develop more sustainable alternatives for crop protection.
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