b'Company:Bhler Group (Toronto, Ont.) Innovation: AI for Enhanced Seed Processing Bhlers innovation has led to the development of the SORTEX H SpectraVision, an optical sorter designed to address the challenges faced in seed production. In response to issues such as higher raw material costs, climate From left: R&D Manager Kim Kenward, Diseasechange and mycotoxin contamination, Diagnostician Trevor Blois, R&D Project LeaderBhler reimagined the capabilities of an Alex Playdon and Molecular Technician Katieoptical sorter. After extensive research Ingvardsen. and development, they successfully created an AI engine that allows theSWAT MAPS enables farmers to be more Company: SORTEX H to self-adjust, minimiz- profitable and supports environmental 20/20 Seed Labs (Nisku, Alta.) ing the potential for human error, andsustainability by measuring soil organic carbon, preventing over-application of nutrients and Innovation: Advanced Molecularallowing the user to run the machinerun-off, and mitigating nitrogen losses and N2O and DNA Tests for Crop Threatintervention-free. emissions.Identification Additionally, Bhler devised a new algorithm that increases the accept ratioCompany:20/20 Seed Labs has made significantand defect concentration by an impres- Croptimistic (Saskatoon, Sask.)strides in the field of crop threat iden- sive 50%, surpassing their previousInnovation: Precision Seeding tification by developing new tests usingmodels and competitors. This innova- Through SWAT MAPSadvanced molecular and DNA lab tech- tion significantly improves seed quality niques. These innovative tests includeand reduces waste in the productionIn the world of precision agriculture, many industry firsts, addressing variousprocess. The SORTEX H increasesCroptimistic Technology Inc. is chang-threats to crops in seed, soil, and plants,germination by removing damaged anding things with their solution: Soil, including Fusarium graminearum, club- diseased seeds, as well as cross-contami- Water, and Topography (SWAT) MAPS. root, Aphanomyces, bacterial leaf streak,nation and foreign seeds. These high-resolution soil foundation and soybean cyst nematode. SpectraVision effectively identifiesmaps are enabling farmers to reduce fer-Collaboration between the 20/20and removes defects. This specializedtilizer use, which can lead to a reduction Seed Labs team, researchers, governmentfeature enhances the overall quality ofin greenhouse gases.agencies and growers is a crucial aspect ofthe seed processing industry, contrib- At the core of SWAT MAPS lies a their innovation efforts. By closely work- uting to improved germination, cropprocess that combines multiple layers ing with these stakeholders, they ensureproduction and consumer satisfaction,of data to create a single map. This map that the developed tests are accurate andaccording to the company. becomes a vital tool in executing variable meet the needs of growers. The teamsrate applications of fertilizers, seeds, soil dedication to excellence and innovationamendments, pesticides, herbicides and in crop testing was recognized when theyprecision water management. By leverag-won a 2022 ASTech Award for Regionaling field variability insights, farmers can Innovation. precisely tailor their inputs, boosting In addition to helping growersprofitability while minimizing environ-identify disease threats, the companymental impact.also focuses on developing critical testsOne of the key advantages of SWAT to protect resistance genetics and addressMAPS is its ability to measure soil issues such as herbicide-resistant weedsorganic carbon. By accurately assess-and varietal purity.ing soil health, farmers can prevent the over-application of nutrients, minimize The Bhler SORTEX H SpectraVision is arun-off, and mitigate nitrogen losses and specialist in seed processing, removing defectsN2O emissions. This not only preserves like stones, glass, and cosmetic damages, sovaluable resources but also contributes processors and consumers can access theto environmental sustainability, the safest and highest quality seeds. company notes.22GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'