UK orchards are set to witness a unique project that aims to develop a commercially viable system for accurately targeting specific trees or parts of a tree with orchard inputs. This cutting-edge technology will digitally scrutinize fruit trees in unprecedented detail, enabling precision-targeted inputs.
The four-year study aims to decrease the environmental impact of fruit production by reducing the use of plant protection products and increasing efficiency. The technology will use digital scanning to create precision dosing maps for blossom and fruit thinning, fertiliser application, growth regulators, pest control, and fungicides. It will also improve yield forecasting accuracy.
The integration of precision dosing application equipment will help cut down the use of plant protection products, boost yields, and reduce fruit losses. The £4.5m Precision Orchard Management for the Environment (POME) project is spearheaded by Hutchinsons agronomist, Rob Saunders, and partially funded by Defra.
Loughborough University has been roped in to provide its machine learning and location system, ensuring centimetre-level navigation accuracy. Two commercial farms in Kent, Plumford Farms Ltd and ACH Farming Ltd, will test the new system.
Source: farminguk.com