Razbio Secures Funding for Advanced WFT Monitoring Project

Razbio have secured funding from Innovate UK for our innovative project aimed at developing a semi-automated monitoring system for Western Flower Thrips (WFT), a significant agricultural pest affecting various crops including protected vegetables and soft fruit crops.

The Challenge of Western Flower Thrips

WFT pose a serious threat to agriculture by directly damaging plants through feeding and transmitting various diseases. The impact of WFT infestation includes reduced crop yields and compromised crop quality, such as deformed strawberries, which drastically lowers market value. The situation is exacerbated by the WFT’s resistance to many chemical insecticides, making effective monitoring and the use of natural enemies, such as predatory mites, crucial for control.

Innovative Monitoring Solutions

Traditional manual monitoring of WFT is labour-intensive and often inaccurate and often leads to false alarms or missed infestations. This project leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to develop a more efficient and reliable WFT monitoring system.

Looking Forward

Razbio’s commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly solutions continues to drive our research and development efforts. This project marks a significant step forward in ensuring sustainable food production and supporting the agricultural sector with cutting-edge technology. For more information about Razbio and our projects, please contact us at info@razbio.com.