Drones at Forefront of Improving Soybean Yields

source: KATV

Scientists at the University of Arkansas are trying to develop ways to maximize the soybean's protein potential.

According toKATV, high throughput genetic analysis is a tool that allows researchers to analyze a lot of DNA data in a short period of time. Agri scientist Larry Purcell with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, uses it to evaluate thousands of agricultural test plots at once.

He studies these tests plots from the air.

使用an off-the-shelf aerial drone, Purcell can identify those soybean plants that have the genetic makeup, or genotype, for high rates of nitrogen fixation. This biological function is important for producing grain with high protein concentration.