Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous platforms, and novel pest management tools and strategies have the potential to dramatically alter grape production systems. This includes technology to assist with phenotyping and selection efforts, the detection and treatment of diseases, and the elimination of weeds under vine rows using fewer herbicides and less soil disturbance. On June 4th, Researchers at Cornell AgriTech will host Naio Technologies, demonstrate the TED robot (Ted – Naïo Technologies (naio-technologies.com)), at Cornell AgriTech’s Lucy Robbins Farm and discuss the potential for autonomous tool carriers to assist with breeding and pest management efforts. The labs of Dr. Yu Jiang (Digital Agriculture), Dr. Katie Gold (Plant Pathology), and Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie (Weed Science) will also showcase their own research with respect to crop and disease mapping and using electrical weeders and targeted, precision sprayers to suppress unwanted vegetation. Drs Jiang, Gold, and Sosnoskie, as well as representative for Naio Technologies will take the opportunity to talk with stakeholders about current and future needs regarding novel technologies in perennial crops, which will help shape local, regional, and national research efforts.
Program
4:00 – 4:10 Welcome – Lynn Sosnoskie, Hans Walter-Peterson
4:10 – 4:30 Disease Mapping Technology – Kathleen Kanaley, Katie Gold, Cornell University – Kathleen will update on her research using satellite and UAV images to map downy mildew and grapevine leafroll virus in the Finger Lakes.
4:30 – 4:50 Meet PPB – Yu Jiang, Cornell University – Yu will discuss his research utilizing the power of robotics and artificial intelligence to tackle major challenges facing farmers and drive a revolution in agricultural productivity and sustainability.
4:50 – 5:10 Disease Resistant Cultivars in Use With Biofungicides – David Combs, Katie Gold, Cornell University – Several selections from the Reisch breeding program are being compared for resistance to downy and powdery mildew. Treatments will consist of low spray and no spray programs to determine the best use practices for commercial use.
5:10 – 5:30 Vision Spraying and Electric Weeding – Aleah Butler-Jones, Lynn Sosnoskie, Cornell University – Aleah and Lynn will update us on her research for sustainable programs that investigate other tools and technologies for controlling unwanted vegetation exploring non-chemical strategies for weed suppression including covering crops and mulches and vision-guided and electric weeders.
5:30 – 6:30 Naio Ted Robotic Tool Carrier– Grant Elgie and Jason Gharibo will be talking about the Naio Ted Robot and the potential use of robots to help improve efficiency in vineyards. Ted is the only autonomous straddle robot for vineyards with Augmented Autonomy. Perfect for mechanical weeding on the row.
