Prairie farmers may soon have a powerful tool against crop pests with the development of a mobile app called IPPM Now at the University of Saskatchewan. This innovative app is designed to instantly identify field insects, map local populations, and provide tailored pest management advice using artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and entomological expertise. By enabling real-time tracking of both harmful and beneficial insects, farmers can make informed decisions to reduce pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
The app will build a color-coded map to visualize insect activity, ensuring user privacy by tagging images to rural municipalities rather than exact GPS points. Currently supporting canola and wheat, it recognizes 10 key insect groups. Beta testing is underway, inviting farmers and agronomists to provide feedback on its design and functionality. With future updates planned to expand its capabilities, the app aims to enhance pest management strategies significantly for prairie agriculture. Interested testers can contact Insect Track Solutions for early access.
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