Qld: Spy cameras to detect crop diseases

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2004
Qld: Spy cameras to detect crop diseases

BRISBANE, April 6 AAP - Cameras mounted on aeroplanes may help Queensland peanut farmers
produce better crops and higher profits.

Scientists are trialling the use of cheap digital cameras fitted with infra-red filters
to identify crop diseases and other problems such as lack of water, long before they become
obvious to growers on the ground.

Department of Primary Industries extension officer Jim Barnes today said although research
was in its early days the system had already identified crop diseases and areas where
there was not enough water being applied.

"It's a cheap piece of technology, a digital camera mounted in a bubble on the door
of the aircraft, but it could result in great cost savings for growers," Mr Barnes said.

Last year losses to growers through disease and other problems had cost around $1400 a hectare.

If the system became a commercial reality a one hour flight in a small plane would
cost around $300 - but in that time 30 or more paddocks of crops could be photographed.

"If the growers got together to do this it would cost them around $10 a paddock, so
it would be very cost effective," Mr Barnes said.

It was hoped the system would be proven successful by June next year after trials.

If workable, pictures could be taken, analysed and emailed to farmers within a day
or so, enabling them to take steps to correct problems before they became major, Mr Barnes
said.

AAP jfs/sc/jv/de

KEYWORD: PEANUTS (PIX AVAILABLE)

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