Bilberry’s Targeted Herbicide Application Solution

Apr 26, 2024

Real-Time Spot Spraying Technology = Cost Savings

PTx Trimble-owned Bilberry is a spot spraying system that is transforming herbicide application, offering farmers a cost-effective solution for weed management.

This innovative system utilizes advanced cameras to identify weeds in the field accurately and spot sprays them in real-time.

Farms.com spoke with Cory Buchs, Senior Product Director for Trimble about Bilberry.

According to Buchs, by distinguishing between weeds and crops, Bilberry’s system ensures precise herbicide application, minimizing chemical usage and maximizing cost savings for farmers.

The Bilberry system's efficacy lies in its ability to target weeds directly, reducing herbicide wastage and environmental impact. By triggering spraying only when weeds are detected, farmers can achieve up to 90% savings on herbicide costs, making it a sustainable and economical choice for weed control.

Currently undergoing testing in multiple countries, Bilberry stands out for its compatibility with existing sprayers and application control systems, enabling farmers to adopt the technology without significant expenses.

One of the key advantages of the Bilberry system is its ease of integration with existing farm equipment, allowing farmers to leverage the benefits of precision herbicide application without the need for costly machinery upgrades.

PTx Trimble aims to make the Bilberry system accessible to farmers by offering comprehensive support through their network of dealers explains Buchs.

Farmers can reach out to their local PTx Trimble dealer to learn more about adopting this technology and realizing its benefits on their farms.

When it comes to herbicide reduction, this technology will be a game-changer for farmers. Especially as it is retrofittable on existing equipment.

As agriculture embraces precision technologies, Buchs says that Bilberry will emerge as a valuable tool for optimizing herbicide application and maximizing farm profitability.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Bilberry spot spraying system.

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.