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A better window into endophyte health

Taking hyperspectral mapping technology that has been used in aerial mapping and applying it to identify grass seeds’ endophytes is a novel new use for a proven imaging technique. Richard Rennie spoke to John Caradus, CEO of Grasslanz Technology, partners with Massey University’s commercial arm Massey Ventures in the project.

ENDOPHYTES, the naturally occurring fungi that bestow their protective abilities on their host plants, have proven to be part of New Zealand’s winning arsenal defending pastures against many pests and diseases. The early AR1 endophyte offered protection against Argentine stem weevil and mealy bug, while AR37 – launched commercially over a decade ago –has provided even greater protection than AR1.

However, endophytes’ microscopic nature makes them tough to check for in-seed quality assessments, though doing so effectively is vital for seed companies if they are to meet their label claims about what the particular endophyte is delivering.

Hyperspectral imaging – with its ability to detect a range of light types and obtain information on chemical signatures and translate them into an image in a single scan – has provided a keener eye for detecting endophytes’ presence, their health, and their type when assessing seeds for sale.

Newly formed company MI8 Optics reflects Massey University’s lengthy association with hyperspectral mapping technology that was initiated by Professor Ian Yule a decade ago.

Yule could see the value of the technology in making “single pass” flyovers to map farm vegetation and soil type, ultimately determining fertiliser application amounts.

Taking that technology, MI8 Optics is now capable of offering seed companies a commercially viable option to the lengthy process of determining if a seed sample’s endophyte levels are high enough and are of the right type.

“We are now getting up to 97% accuracy levels off a testing process that can deliver a fast, 48-hour turnaround on seed sample results. This compares to the existing gold standard process that requires seed sample to be germinated and grown out. That is a process that can take a month to do,” Grasslanz Technology CEO John Caradus says.

The non-destructive detection technology will determine not only endophyte percentage but also the strain. This is done through linking the tech to especially developed algorithms that train AI to recognise what constitutes the “right” endophyte within the tiny seeds being checked.

Ultimately, Caradus says, the ideal is to build the hyperspectral mapper into seed-sorting equipment, with the ability to detect and reject seed during dressing, as can already be done with natural light seed sorters to identify the presence of unwanted seeds in dressing runs.

“We see the potential to lift the bar from seed having the minimal 70% endophyte levels now to up over 80%. There is also the potential to use this technology to identify other traits, such as seed purity and germination.”

The ability to detect the “right” endophyte in grass seeds is invaluable where there is the risk an earlier seed crop may have lingered, and with it the endophyte attached to that crop.

“The fact we could identify the strain of endophyte present, that proved to be quite a welcome surprise. We always felt it would be possible to determine the status of the endophyte, if it was alive or dead.”

The most likely cause of endophytes being killed off comes from the conditions seed is stored in, with high humidity and temperature a deadly combination.

The process of assessing seed samples is relatively straightforward. With about 400 seeds spread across a flat surface, a hyperspectral camera is run across them. The algorithms translate its findings into easily understood results.

“We also see in the future the opportunity for its use in phenotyping of plants in the field for plant breeders, and some trials are underway to measure its effectiveness at determining hardto-measure traits in plants. Even if it can provide a rough estimate or ranking, that would be a goal.”

The company is ready to launch into testing for this autumn’s seed harvest, at a charge similar to the lengthy standard testing process.

MI8 Optics is the second commercial venture developed out of hyperspectral mapping after the launch of Hyperceptions joint venture with Ravensdown using the aerial platform to monitor soil fertility and deliver targeted fertiliser application across hill country farms.

“Hyperspectral imaging is a power technology, and we are only just starting to scratch the surface of its potential,” Massey Ventures commercialisation manager Dan Carlisle says.

SCANNED: Hyperspectral mapping offers a quicker, less invasive window into endophytes, says John Caradus.

We are now getting up to 97% accuracy levels off a testing process that can deliver a fast, 48-hour turnaround on seed sample results.

John Caradus Grasslanz Technology

Field robots could ease labour shortages

Staff reporter TECHNOLOGY

Robotics

THE demand for robotic technologies in agriculture is set to hit US$11 billion [$18b] by 2030, according to a report from GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The global agricultural sector is tackling a multitude of challenges, from climate change to population growth, and the growing demand for food.

Robotics offers a much-needed solution, providing answers from vertical farms to drones.

Last year, field robot sales reached US$1.1b and the report, Robotics in Agriculture, says robotics will be key in helping to ease labour shortages, reduce pressure on natural resources and meet the global demand for agricultural products, while also helping the sector adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The report also states that the commercial drone market will overtake military drones and become the largest segment of the drone market by revenue in the next few years and agricultural drones are a key driver.

Agricultural drones are unmanned aerial vehicles used in farming for yield optimisation and monitoring.

Rachel Foster Jones, thematic analyst at GlobalData, said the Chinese drone industry is the largest in the world.

“The country is leading innovation in agricultural drones, with Chinese companies DJI and XAG paving the way.

“These drones provide imaging and surveying tasks, whilst crop spraying, and terrain monitoring will become key growth areas.

“Both companies were the most active in terms of patent applications in the agri-drone sector.

“Between 2018 to 2021, they published 421 patents, reinforcing China’s dominant position in the global drone industry.”

The report also shows that hiring for robotics-related roles has risen significantly in the agricultural sector, with vacancies increasing by 80% between September 2019 and September 2022.

“Both traditional agricultural companies, such as Cargill and Syngenta, and agricultural startups are hiring in robotics. The agricultural sector is becoming increasingly aware of the potential of robotics as traditional companies are trying to improve their internal expertise of this important themes rather than simply forming partnerships.

“As more traditional agricultural companies try to enhance their robotics expertise, increased acquiring activity will be experienced by the sector.”

China is leading innovation in agricultural drones ... these drones provide imaging and surveying tasks, whilst crop spraying, and terrain monitoring will become key growth areas.