Open Innovation Submission Portal

Technologies for high-throughput phenotyping of cocoa plants in the field

Request Number 170357 | Author Mondelēz International

Description

We are seeking technologies that allow rapid, accurate and high-throughput phenotyping of cocoa plants grown in the field. This will include both measurements of single plants during early research trials and measurements taken over a larger area for agronomy trials. We are looking for end-to-end solutions that can record phenotypic data related to yield potential as well as incidence of pest and disease.

Background

Reliable prediction of the performance of plants requires accurate phenotypic measurements to be taken during field trials. Recording trait data in the field is slow and expensive. Improving the speed and accuracy of data collection can therefore greatly improve the efficiency of both phenotypic and genotypic selection. Automated high-throughput phenotyping using imaging technologies could provide a cost-effective means of accurate data collection.

Key Success Criteria

• Ability to score multiple yield and P&D related traits in situ during field trials or on farms.
• Technology should already have been demonstrated in cocoa or another crop.
• Must be able to process raw data and provided phenotypic measurements outputting data in a simple spreadsheet format.
• Must have sufficient resolution to record data from a single tree.
• Easy to operate by field technicians.
• Capable of working in outdoor environments with obstacles and uneven ground.
• The ability to record environmental co-variates would also be beneficial.

Possible Approaches

UAVs or robots fitted using imaging equipment (such as LIDAR, fluorescence cameras, hyperspectral imaging).

What We Aren't Interested In

Systems which can only operate in a protected environment. Systems requiring major infrastructure (e.g. tracks or gantries) for installation/operation. Systems proving only hardware or only software.

Preferred Collaboration types

We are open to all collaboration types meeting the above criteria.

Mondelēz International Open Innovation Submission Portal

Submit your ideas and innovations to the Mondelēz International Open Innovation Submission Portal. After reviewing information above regarding Mondelēz International's current innovation needs, simply click "submit your idea" and complete as many of the fields as possible. When complete, click the "submit" button and we will get back to you.