Title: Advanced Mechanized Systems for Sustainable Food Production

Presenter: Dr. Travis Esau, Associate Professor, Dalhousie University

Date and Time: May 23, 2025 1:00 pm (Atlantic Time)

Registration:Click here to receive the Zoom link. The webinar is free.

Abstract: Wild blueberries are a perennial crop native to northeastern North America and are one of eastern Canada’s most economically important crops, with a 2021 farm gate value of $134.7 million CAD. Despite this, the industry faces significant challenges, especially in combating the more than 200 weed species that limit yield and interfere with harvesting equipment. Currently, producers predominantly rely on the uniform application of costly liquid herbicides for weed control, which is inefficient because weed instances occur intermittently, not uniformly. Traditional agricultural farming is not sustainable and requires new engineering advancements to remain competitive in local and global markets. The Canadian government’s new framework focuses on reducing the overall risk from pesticides by at least half by 2030. This research explores the development of a novel approach to weed management using smart applicators, including aerial drones, for spot-specific weed management.