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PictureThis remains top performer in plant ID app trials

Researchers are continuing to test the effectiveness of plant identification apps for farmers as technology evolves. 

Michigan State University’s Erin Hill tells Brownfield she’s been analyzing plant identification applications that work on both androids and iPhones for the past four years.

“Having a plant ID app at your fingertips is an amazing technology because you need to know what enemy you’re up against if you’re trying to control it,” she says.

PictureThis has been the top-performing app throughout the trials with nearly 70 percent accuracy.

“Every year we see the apps are performing better and better,” she says.

She says the technology comes with limitations, especially for weed seedling identification.  Hill recommends having background knowledge in weed identification to support scouting and herbicide management decisions.