Glow-in-the-Dark Soybeans Will Help Farmers Fight Fungus
(From Bloomberg - click here for original coverage)
Two of the world’s biggest farm companies are collaborating for the first time in an effort to stomp out fungal diseases in crops. Their new innovation will mean that plants will be genetically engineered to emit a fluorescent light, warning of the fungi invaders.
Deere & Co., the top farm machinery maker, is teaming up with seed producer Syngenta AG and seed startup InnerPlant on the project. Deere’s See & Spray technology can detect the fluorescent light, and then the plants can be treated with a Syngenta fungicide designed for early applications. All this will be designed to take place weeks before the disease potential would’ve been detected by the human eye.
In the US, about 11% of crops are lost to fungal diseases, according to Shely Aronov, the chief executive officer and a cofounder of InnerPlant.
“The idea is to help farmers fight the losses to pathogens,” Aronov said in an interview.
Detecting issues before they can be seen by the human eye can be a huge advantage. “When the disease is less developed, there’s a lot more opportunity to act on it in a different and more optimized way,” Aronov said.
While the companies said the technology can be adapted to other crops, they’re starting with soybeans — which trails only corn in the amount of planted acres in the US. The first plants are expected to be in fields next year, but it’s unknown when the technology will be sold commercially to farmers.
“We’re hoping that we’ll be able to help farmers maximize the yield by being targeted in the use of chemistry,” said Feroz Sheikh, chief information and digital officer at Sygenta, the Swiss seed and chemical company controlled by China National Chemical Corp.
It’s part of so-called precision agriculture, which aims to reduce the use of crop inputs such as fertilizer and fungicides by applying them only where they’re needed.
“It’s one more signal for us to detect and ultimately apply less crop protection products to the right spot in the field and help customers or farmers do more with less,” said Dan Leibfried, Deere’s director of corn and soybean production systems.
Croptastic Episode 41: Laura Wood
In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Wood, an environmental and agricultural lobbyist who works on behalf of clients like IPSA, the Independent Professional Seed Association. Laura previously led federal affairs for Syngenta and Indigo Ag. She shares with Shely some of the ins and outs of lobbying, as well as tips for how startups can engage in the process and help shape the future of agriculture.
InnerPlant Wins USDA Approval for Flagship Commercial Product, a Soy Plant That Communicates When Under Attack from Fungus
InnerPlant Wins USDA Approval for Flagship Commercial Product, a Soy Plant That Communicates When Under Attack from Fungus
Approval is a major milestone on the path to the commercialization of crops that give off optical signals – detectible from as far away as space – when under attack from pathogens or short of water or nutrients
DAVIS, Calif. (July 18, 2023) – InnerPlant, the company creating a new category of seed technology that unlocks data and makes global farming more efficient and sustainable, announces today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved multiple Regulatory Status Review (RSR) requests.
The RSR approvals include:
InnerPlant’s first commercial product, a soybean fungal sensor currently undergoing field testing with farmer trials scheduled for 2024 and on track for commercial launch in 2025
An always-on soybean that emits a constant signal used in the crop development process and to calibrate and refine detection capabilities
“USDA approval confirms our due diligence around the safety of our technology and reduces the time and complexity of our commercial development cycle,” explains Randy Shultz, Ph.D., InnerPlant’s Senior Vice President of R&D, Commercialization. “And it’s an encouraging proof point as we continue working toward global regulatory approvals.”
InnerPlant engineers crops to produce safe and long-studied proteins when under attack from pathogens or when short of water or specific nutrients. The proteins emit optical signals – detectable from as far away as space – that show farmers exactly what kind of help plants need within 48 hours of stress onset, which is as much as two weeks before stress is visible in the field.
Historically, farmers lacked early actionable data and broadly apply agrochemicals as a preventative measure. However, studies show that farmers lose as much as 40% of yields or $220B worldwide due to pathogens in spite of overapplication that sees as much as 30% or $250B of pesticides wasted – negatively impacting air, water, and soil.
InnerPlant’s new category of seed technology delivers traits that tap directly into plants’ physiology and provide farmers with actionable data that is both early and specific to particular stresses in a scalable and economical way.
Today’s news comes on the heels of recent announcements across key ecosystem areas including a collaboration with satellite partner Satellogic to launch a space-based signal detection device in Q4 of 2023 and to bring InnerPlant’s traits to elite soybean germplasm with Mertec, LLC.
About InnerPlant
InnerPlant is a team of curious scientists and entrepreneurs creating an innovative new category of seed technology that harnesses plant physiology and unlocks data at scale to boost global agricultural yields and sustainability. The company was founded in 2018 by Shely Aronov and Rod Kumimoto. InnerPlant was recently recognized with a Special Mention TIME Best Inventions and was named a finalist in General Excellence by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards.
Media Contact
Sean Yokomizo
Communications/Media Relations
925.878.1200
Croptastic Episode 40: Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft
On this very special space episode, we’re joined by guest co-host Reza Bloomer, InnerPlant’s Director of Business Development, and Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland, founding Director of the Harvest Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, founding Director of NASA Acres, and immediate past co-founding Director of NASA Harvest. Harvest and Acres are, respectively, NASA’s global and US-focused food security and agriculture programs. Our guests join us today to talk about the state of satellite-based earth observation and where the technology fits in the future of agriculture. Our guests join us today to talk about the state of satellite-based earth observation and where the technology fits in the future of agriculture.
Croptastic Episode 39: Matt Turecek
First-generation Kansas farmer Matt Turecek of DY Farms joins the podcast this episode. Matt shares his story with Shely and gives his take on farming, agtech, and the future of agriculture.
InnerPlant and Satellogic to Launch First-Ever Device for Detecting Human-Made Crop Signals from Space
InnerPlant and Satellogic to Launch First-Ever Device for Detecting Human-Made Crop Signals from Space
Satellite-mounted Imager to Detect Fluorescence from Crops when Under Stress from Pathogen Attack or a Lack of Water or Nutrients
SAN FRANCISCO (March 14, 2023) – InnerPlant, the company creating a new category of seed technology that unlocks data and makes global farming more efficient and sustainable, and Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (“EO”) data collection, today announced a collaboration to launch a first-of-its-kind device designed to detect human-engineered crop signals from space. The announcement was made on the opening day of the World AgriTech Innovation Summit.
The specially designed imaging instrument is scheduled to be mounted to a Satellogic satellite and is intended to detect optical signals emitted by crops engineered by InnerPlant to fluoresce in response to stress such as an attack from pathogens or a lack of water or nutrients.
Drone-based aerial testing is expected to start in the next few months and the satellite-mounted device is planned to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket later this year. The success of this mission will mark the first time in history that a signal from a human-engineered organism is detected from orbit.
“Better data directly from plants gives farmers the tools they need to increase yields while reducing chemical inputs. Modern farming taking place on such a vast scale – with many farms in the thousands of acres – makes satellite detection a critical way to collect data affordably,” Shely Aronov, CEO and founder of InnerPlant, said from the Summit. “Satellogic understands how EO data collection fits with farming and is truly giving InnerPlant and the future of agriculture a figurative and literal boost.”
Studies show that farmers lose as much as 40% of yields or $220B worldwide due to pathogens in spite of overapplication that sees as much as 30% or $250B of pesticides wasted – negatively impacting our air, water and soil.
Earlier detection and more responsive, plant-specific interventions offer a way to prevent waste and losses but historically farmers lacked early actionable data. Satellite-based detection can provide a scalable way to give farmers the early warning they need to better care for crops and soils.
“The democratization of high-resolution, high-quality remote-sensing imagery holds tremendous potential for critical human endeavors,” pointed out Satellogic’s CEO Emiliano Kargieman. “There’s no clearer demonstration of this potential than applying Satellogic’s imaging capabilities to help farmers grow the food the planet’s growing population needs while reducing chemical use and increasing sustainability.”
About InnerPlant
InnerPlant is a team of curious scientists and entrepreneurs creating innovative traits that harness plant physiology and unlock data at scale to boost global agricultural yields and sustainability. The company was founded in 2018 by Shely Aronov and Rod Kumimoto. InnerPlant was recently recognized with a Special Mention TIME Best Inventions and was named a finalist in General Excellence by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards. For more information visit: innerplant.com.
About Satellogic
Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.
Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high-resolution images and analytics to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.
With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategies, Satellogic’s future opportunities, and the commercial and governmental applications for Satellogic’s technology. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by, an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) Satellogic’s ability to scale its constellation of satellites and to do so on Satellogic’s projected timeframe and in accordance with projected costs, (ii) Satellogic’s ability to continue to meet image quality expectations, to continue to enhance the capability of its network of satellites and to continue to offer superior unit economics, (iii) Satellogic’s ability to become or remain an industry leader, (iv) the number of commercial applications for Satellogic’s products and services, (v) Satellogic’s ability to address all commercial applications for satellite imagery, changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Satellogic operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Satellogic’s business, (vi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional opportunities, (vii) the risk of downturns in the commercial launch services, satellite and spacecraft industry, (viii) the risk that the market for Satellogic’s products and services does not develop as anticipated, (ix) the risk that Satellogic and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Satellogic’s products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (x) the risk that third-party suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (xi) the risk of product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to Satellogic’s products and services, and (xii) the risk that Satellogic is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
InnerPlant Media Contact
Sean Yokomizo
Communications/Media Relations
925.878.1200
Satellogic Investor Relations
MZ Group
Chris Tyson/Larry Holub
(949) 491-8235
Satellogic Media Relations
Satellogic
InnerPlant Awarded Best Product for Product Managers in Sustainability
InnerPlant Awarded Best Product for Product Managers in Sustainability
InnerPlant Awarded Best Product for Product Managers in Sustainability
March 09, 2023
InnerPlant, the company creating a new category of seed technology that unlocks data and makes global farming more efficient and sustainable, announced today that it was named a Top Sustainability product in the 2023 Product Awards. The Product Awards, presented by Products That Count in partnership with Mighty Capital and Capgemini, is the only awards show designed to celebrate the tools that help Product Managers build great products.
Nominees are chosen by Products That Count’s product manager network, and winners are chosen by an independent Awards Advisory Board composed of top product leaders. This year’s Board included product leaders from companies like Intuit, Oscar Health, and Macy’s.
“Our team works hard to help farmers reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides while boosting yields and sustainability,” points out Randy Shultz, InnerPlant’s Vice President of Research. “And this award is a clear validation of InnerPlant’s product management approach that’s resulted in a product development pipeline that is 3X more efficient than industry standards and kept us on pace for the commercial launch of our first product, InnerSoy.”
InnerPlant’s biosensor crops give off optical signals that are specific to stresses like fungal attacks, lack of water, or nitrogen deficiency. The signals are early enough so farmers can act before stresses spread and they’re easily detectable from as far away as space.
“The bar for what makes a great product gets higher every year,” said SC Moatti, founding CEO of Products That Count. “InnerPlant is a testament to that. We expect them to keep defining what it means to be at the cutting edge of product, not only in 2023 but also in the years to come.”
About InnerPlant
InnerPlant is a team of curious scientists and entrepreneurs creating innovative traits that harness plant physiology and unlock data at scale to boost global agricultural yields and sustainability. The company was founded in 2018 by Shely Aronov and Rod Kumimoto. InnerPlant was recently recognized with a Special Mention TIME Best Inventions and was named a finalist in General Excellence by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards. For more information visit: innerplant.com.
About the Product Awards
The Product Awards, produced by Products That Count in partnership with Capgemini and Mighty Capital, celebrate the best products for product managers, chosen by product leaders. Based on insights from thousands of product managers, the Product Awards showcase product managers’ favorite products within five distinct categories: B2B Tech, FinTech, Internet of Things, Life Sciences, and Sustainability. These categories were defined by our independent Awards Advisory Board, 12 product leaders committed to pushing forward the product conversation. Learn more at productsthatcount.com/product-awards.
Media Contact
Sean Yokomizo
Communications/Media Relations
sean.yokomizo@innerplant.com
925.878.1200
Remote Sensing for Crops Spots Pests and Pathogens - ACS Publications
See how a group out of New York is using remote sensing to get a head start on pathogens.
Croptastic Episode 38: Bryan Thompson
Bryan Thompson, a sixth-generation farmer in Central Ohio, joins the podcast today to talk with Shely about the changes on the farm over the last few decades and what we might see in the future.
Croptastic Episode 37: Dr. Pamela Ronald
This episode we’re joined by Dr. Pamela Ronald, a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center at the University of California, Davis and a member of the Innovative Genomics Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Ronald recently received the VinFuture Prize Award – for her breakthroughs in high-yield stress-tolerant rice varieties. She is also the author of, “Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food.” Dr. Ronald joins Shely to talk about her work using genetics to help feed the world and the potential that genetic engineering has for the future of agriculture.