In the heartland of America’s soybean fields, a silent adversary lurks—fungal diseases that can decimate crops and livelihoods. Traditionally, farmers have relied on visual inspections and reactive measures, often discovering infections only after significant damage has occurred. This delayed detection not only hampers yields but also leads to excessive pesticide use, impacting both the environment and farmers’ bottom lines.
The Challenge of Early Detection
Crop diseases, particularly fungal infections, present a formidable challenge to agriculture. These pathogens can spread rapidly, and early symptoms are often subtle or invisible to the naked eye. Conventional detection methods, such as manual scouting and laboratory testing,
