WEBINAR RECORDING: Use of Digital Images in Field Experiments

Presented: April 12, 2023

Presenter: Ignacio Colonna, Global Director of Science and Technology, AgriThority

Moderator: Solito Sumulong, Director of Regulatory Services, AgriThority

Abstract: Evaluation of new crop technologies such as biological fertilizers, stimulants or pesticides frequently present a challenge for researchers due to non-obvious effects to the human eye. The utilization of objective criteria in these assessments is critical for a proper quantification of treatment effects. Digital data from ground sensors, drones or satellites constitute one strong source for such evaluations. There are challenges associated with their use in the R&D scale that need to be considered for an adequate implementation. I will review several examples from experimental projects around the world involving new-generation herbicides, fungicides, biostimulants and biofertilizers at scales ranging from small plots to farmer-based strip trials.

Speaker Bio: As Global Director, Science and Technology for AgriThority, Ignacio Colonna is focused on the incorporating new technologies into product field development, including methodologies, equipment and analytics. Ignacio now leads the global science and technology efforts in addition to his oversight of lab, greenhouse and field research operations, having managed more than 200 projects for AgriThority clients primarily focused on innovative and biological technologies and how they perform. Before joining AgriThority in 2015, Ignacio was a Research Scientist at Pioneer Argentina SRL where he was responsible for hybrid advancement including country-wide testing, implementation of new technologies for phenotyping and the development of analytical tools based on environmental data and crop models to support corn hybrid positioning. Ignacio received an agronomy degree from University of Buenos Aires in 1995 and attended graduate school at Purdue University and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign between 1999 and 2005, after having spent his first 4 years after graduation as Production Manager in a 12,000-acre farming operation in Argentina.

For other webinar recordings, please visit www.agrodiv.org/webinars.