Scientists Exploring How AI Can Accelerate Weed Control Advancements

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and its member scientists are continually exploring ways to facilitate increased knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems. More recently, WSSA and its committee on Sensing, Automation, and Precision Technologies (SAPT) have been collaborating with government, academia and private industries to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into technologies that will sustainably control weeds and invasive plants and minimize their negative impact.

“Just last week we had an excellent discussion on AI in weed science research, teaching and extension at the Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS) annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee,” says Lee Van Wychen, WSSA’s executive director of science policy. “In January, the Northeastern Weed Science Society conference featured an AI in Extension workshop, led by Kurt Vollmer, University of Maryland, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In February, WSSA also hosted a symposium on sensing, automation, and precision weed control technologies during its annual meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina.”

According to Becca Hayne, director of science policy and regulatory affairs for CropLife America – who co-led the technology discussions in Nashville along with Shawn Askew, SWSS president-elect – AI will likely play a significant role in herbicide discovery and registration. “The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) plays a critical role in reviewing pesticide registrations, and it’s important the agency has the resources and modern tools needed to do that work efficiently,” says Hayne. “Each year, OPP reviews thousands of applications supported by extensive scientific studies and statutory timelines. Innovations like artificial intelligence—used with strong safeguards and human oversight—can help streamline scientific review and bring important new tools to growers sooner.”

Askew agrees that AI has the potential to transform herbicide discovery by accelerating research, improving precision, and reducing costs. “While AI holds great promise for creating more effective and sustainable herbicides, challenges such as data quality and human verified regulatory approval must be carefully managed,” he says. “With continued innovation, AI could help address the growing problem of herbicide resistance while making agriculture more efficient and Eco-friendlier.”

For more, continue reading at CropLife.com.