Drone Technology may assist Potato growers

Agricultural researchers of the Oregon State University will begin testing two small, remote-controlled aircraft this month, flying them over potato fields in the Hermiston area in trials that may help farmers use water, fertilizer and pesticides more efficiently.

Researchers believe the aircraft, equipped with sophisticated cameras that can zoom in on individual leaves, may increase crop yields as farmers spot and react to problems earlier.

The trials beginning this spring will primarily involve irrigation and fertilizer issues. Researchers will artificially stress potato field sections at OSU's Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hermiston, said Phill Hamm, the station director.

Researchers want to know if the cameras can detect stress in the plants before it's visible to people at ground level. Early detection is key to avoiding crop damage, Hamm said.

Hamm (pronounced "Homm") said a brainstorming session six months ago produced a long list of potential applications if the potato field trials prove successful. The craft may be able to detect insect or virus damage, or spot soil problems, he said.

"If it works here, the sky becomes the limit on what potentially these things can do to help us grow crops in our region,"Hamm said.