Development and optimization of an in-field, automated detection system for airborne grapevine powdery mildew spores

Root Applied Sciences Inc. was awarded a $175k Project Grant from the Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture on July 15, 2022 to develop and optimize an in-field, automated detection system for airborne grapevine powdery mildew spores. The funding supports work under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, which provides funding to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal research investment to stimulate the economy. Specifically, Root Applied Sciences will use the grant funding to advance the development of an automated detection system that can identify airborne powdery mildew spores, a fungal disease affecting grapevines, in agricultural fields. This has the potential to help grape growers better monitor and respond to the spread of the costly infection.