Page 10 - 17 Cotton SA March 2019

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“SMART” SPRAYER SHOWS PROMISE IN 2018 TESTS
A smart in-crop sprayer tested in the USA this season could significantly reduce herbicide costs
for farmers and potentially minimise off-target movement of herbicides.
The sprayer uses image-recognition software and machine-learning techniques to see weeds
growing in the crop, and then delivers a precise shot of herbicide to the weed. Blue River
Technology’s See and Spray machine was tested in cotton and soya beans in 2018. Blue River
Technology is owned by Deere and Company.
As the smart sprayer moves through the field, it continuously captures images of the ground
and sends them to a computer. When green vegetation is detected, the computer analyses
it and makes a decision. If it is a bad guy, the sprayer turns on an array of straight stream
nozzles that target the weed and not the crop.
The smart sprays can significantly reduce herbicide use, and Arkansas trials in 2018 on
cotton showed a 95% reduction in herbicide compared with a broadcast application. The
smart sprayer operated at about 10 to 12 km per hour.

NEW APPOINTMENT AT COTTON
SA’S GRADING LAB
Calvin Knight is the new Senior Quality Control Officer
at Cotton SA’s grading lab. He previously worked
at Starke Ayres seed in the research and pathology
department, with a focus on trials for plant resistance
to pathogens, quality control on produced seed, and
other lab functions. He has a bachelor’s degree in
biochemistry and microbiology (University
of Pretoria), and is looking to further pursue his Calvin Knight.
studies. He has an avid interest in agriculture and
looks forward to building a career at Cotton SA.
When not grading cotton, Calvin enjoys spending
time with his family, running, or working with his latest
DIY project. You can reach him at 012 804 1462 or
calvin@cottonsa.org.za

10 | Katoen SA \\ Cotton SA