Digital tool to detect plant-parasitic nematodes in crops through satellite images

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic parasites living in the soil that feed on plant roots, opening pathways to further fungal infections and threatening plant health, crop quality and yield. These harmful nematodes account for as much as USD 150 billion in crop losses globally each year.

Identify areas of high infestations of plant-parasitic nematodes

Syngenta’s digital tool uses a proprietary algorithm to analyse images of fields obtained by satellites, allowing it to identify areas of high infestations of plant-parasitic nematodes in crops and estimate potential losses caused by these microscopic parasites.

Using the tool, farmers can make quick adjustments to their field management practices, helping them avoid losses in yield, as well as optimising the use of inputs, improving the sustainability of their farms, says Syngenta.

Service marketed first in Brazil

Syngenta will first market this service to soybean farmers in Brazil. According to the company in Brazil, plant-parasitic nematodes in cause estimated losses in soybean production amounting to more than USD 5.4 billion a year. So far, the threat from plant-parasitic nematodes has been largely invisible and insufficiently understood, and estimates say that Brazilian farmers lose as much as 30 percent of their yield in highly infested areas, says Syngenta.

The digital tool is the result of a multi-year collaboration with Swiss-based AgTech startup Gamaya SA – a spin-off from Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne. Syngenta is integrating this digital solution within its own digital technology platform, Cropwise.

Also read: Syngenta Interra Scan soil mapping service allows growers to better understand soil health