Early warnings for agricultural threats
In an agricultural setting, where many plants of a single species are grown close by, pests and pathogens can be detrimental and cause massive harvest losses. On a global scale 20% – 40% of crop production is lost to pests annually. Rapid results for specific pests or pathogens of interest can help prevent losses by allowing measures to be taken early and in a targeted fashion. Our unique rapid assessment method allows such surveys to be performed through repeated measures on a temporal and spatial scale.
Popillia japonica
The case of the invasive Japanese beetle
Our rapid detection approach allows the presence of the Japanese beetle, an invasive pest species, to be detected before the onset of the invasion.
Finding invasive species early protects biodiversity, ecosystems and resources while minimizing response costs. With our novel technology we can detect Japanese beetle presence up to 27 days ahead of adult emergence. Read more about our pilot project testing the novel technology here.
Scaphoideus titanus
Combating grapevine diseases
Our rapid detection technology delivers actionable insights when they matter most – at the earliest stages of invasion.
Early detection of vectors is crucial for intervention before the pathogen spreads through a vineyard, reducing crop losses and protecting plant health. Our rapid detection technology allows accurate detection of the American grapevine leafhopper in vineyards, even at the larval stages.