Intelinair launches plant disease alert for 2022 growing season

The new plant disease alert takes into consideration precipitation, topography, soil type, emergence and plant temperature. According to Intelinair the addition of plant temperature makes a world of difference.

Elevated temperature shows plant disease

Plants, like humans, show early signs of disease through elevated temperature,” says Kevin Krieg, Director of Product Marketing with Intelinair. “Our thermal layers spots that early in a field and flags it for the agronomist or farmer to keep an eye on.”

According to the company, that thermal layer proved beneficial in July 2021 when AGMRI’s thermal imaging spotted the potential for disease in a central Illinois corn field days before human eyes would verify a Tar Spot outbreak.

Identify changes in the field

AGMRI provides users a range of layers to compare different factors within a field, along with regular captures throughout the season to identify changes in the field from one capture to another. This particular change couldn’t be explained and was flagged for the user.

“The early detection wasn’t meant to tell the grower to spray, but rather watch the field in a specific location,” says Krieg. “Scouting showed nothing early on, but by July 28 the infestation was visible and in the exact location that showed temperature variations earlier in the summer. They were able to treat the disease before it did any more damage or spread throughout the field.”

Shortened package

Krieg says his company is offering a shortened package just for Disease Season 2022. “The shortened, four-capture package showcases the full capabilities of AGMRI to customers. The package will run from late June to early August, right in the prime of disease season.”

In addition to disease alerts, AGMRI provides early warning alerts for other challenges throughout the season including emergence, weeds, crop health and harvest readiness, along with indicators of nutrient deficiency, disease and replant opportunities.