Cost-Effective Drought-Resistant Corn Monitoring via Drones
Brazilian researchers employ drones and free software to identify drought-resistant corn plants.
Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Climate Change Genomics have developed a cost-effective method to identify drought-resistant corn plants by utilizing drones and free software.
According to a study published in the journal 'Plant Phenomena,' rather than relying on expensive equipment, the team employed a simple RGB camera mounted on drones to gather valuable data on the plants' drought tolerance.
This innovative approach aims to enhance agricultural resilience by facilitating the identification of corn varieties that can withstand periods of low water availability, which is increasingly important given the rising occurrences of drought exacerbated by climate change.
The use of drone technology offers a practical solution for researchers and farmers alike, allowing for efficient monitoring of crop health and adaptability in diverse environmental conditions.