AI for reduction of pesticide use in agriculture

Purpose and goal

EU´s objectives as well as the global goals of Agenda 2030 includes a large reduction of chemical pesticides in agricultutre. ThermoSeed is a non-chemical method in seed production that offers an efficient replacement for chemical fungicides. Time-consuming analyzes of the seed limit a global implementation of Thermoseed. The solution is fast analysis methods combined with an AI-based Machine Learning-modell. The goal of the project is to develop a rapid high precision AI-based seed analysis so that ThermoSeed can be used globally as a substitute for chemical seed treatment.

Expected effects and result

The real benefit of the project will be the opportunity to expand ThermoSeed as a real alternative to chemical pesticides in several crops and in several areas. In this way the project contributes to: - The EU´s ambition to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. - Improve conditions for expanding the use of ThermoSeed. - Reduce the environmental footprint of the agricultural industry in Sweden, Europe and globally. - Improved working environment for farmers as a consequence of reduced handling of chemicals.

Planned approach and implementation

The project runs over three years where coordinator and participant will be responsible for evaluation of the AI model as well as ongoing collection and analysis of seed samples to generate data for the AI model. The development of the AI model will be performed by subcontractors. The AI technology is focused on the Causal Discovery area, which includes a methodology for the AI entity to autonomously identify and analyze components within the seed that affect each other causally.