Design of a real-time on-site biosensor system to monitor harmful pathogens and protect canola production

Canada is one of the largest canola producing countries. The industry contributes about $20 billion revenue to the Canadian economy. Currently, canola farmers rely on the weather forecast (temperature, moisture, etc.) to decide whether to apply a fungicide. As the Internet-of-Things and sensor technologies get more advanced, farmers are deserved to have better technologies for intelligent farming. In this project, we propose the design of Internet-of-Things devices to monitor Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a deadly airborne spore for canola. The sensing chip is cheap (less than $10), easy-to-use and internet-connected. The device can perform real-time monitoring of spores on-site. By using such a device, farmers can reduce their use of fungicides. Soils get protected from the fungicide contamination, and consumers can avoid taking in chemically treated canola oil.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jie Chen

Student:

Lukas Menze

Partner:

Hidaca Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta