TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 17, 2022 – Greeneye Technology announced the results of a field trial undertaken by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agricultural Research Division (ARD) to benchmark the performance of its proprietary AI precision spraying system against broadcast application of herbicides. The results reveal the Greeneye system reduced herbicide use in post-emergence applications by 87% – representing a cost saving to farmers of more than 60% – while achieving the same or similar levels of efficacy compared to broadcast spraying.
The Aug. 17 announcement coincides with the successful conclusion of Greeneye’s first commercial season in the U.S. Greeneye says it is the first company to commercially launch a precision spraying system in the U.S. that is suitable for both pre- and post-emergence spraying. This breakthrough is achieved by a combination of hardware and proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) that can differentiate between crops and weeds in real time to spray herbicide only where it is needed – directly onto the weeds.
Key research findings include:
- 94% reduction in burndown herbicide use during pre-emergence spraying compared to broadcast application – representing a cost saving of $24.70/acre
- 87% reduction in non-residual herbicide use during post-emergence spraying compared to broadcast application – representing a cost saving of $40.50/acre
- Greeneye achieved same weed control efficacy for broadleaf as broadcast application – 96.3%
- Weed control on grasses was slightly better with broadcast method – 93% accuracy rate compared to 89.6% with Greeneye
- Total (residual and non-residual) herbicides costs of $40.60/acre with Greeneye vs. $105.80/acre with broadcast treatment – representing a cost saving to farmers of $65.10/acre when comparing identical herbicides programs
“Precision spraying has long been a desired concept for farmers," says Nadav Bocher, CEO, Greeneye Technology. "However, while achieving a significant reduction in herbicide use is hugely compelling, cutting costs and reducing volume use of chemicals is not enough to drive mainstream adoption. To provide a truly viable solution for farmers, precision spraying technology must also be able to achieve weed control efficacy on a par with broadcast spraying. The UNL trial proves that the Greeneye system delivers the ultimate combination of savings and efficacy for farmers.”
Targeted at the aftermarket, the system is designed to seamlessly integrate with any brand or size of commercial sprayer. This offers farmers even greater savings by removing the need for them to purchase a new sprayer. AGCO owns a 2.9% equity stake in Greeneye Technology, which was purchased in December.
Reflecting the high demand for its solution from farmers across the U.S., Greeneye will increase availability of its precision spraying system to more states in 2023. Later this year, it will also launch its technology in South America in partnership with Brazilian agricultural producers Bom Futuro and Natter.
