Advanced 3D tracking technology for studying fungal spore dispersal in farmlands
Research-driven solution using high-speed 3D camera tracking to characterize fungal spore dispersal from crop leaves, soil, and water puddles. Findings support optimized fungicide timing, application methods, and irrigation practices to reduce crop disease spread.
Overview
Fungal spores are a major cause of crop disease, easily liberated by rain and irrigation and capable of traveling long distances to infect neighboring plants. This research investigates how the concentration and travel distance of spores are influenced by the properties of plant surfaces, soils, and water puddles in farmlands. By applying a state-of-the-art 3D tracking technique using multiple high-speed cameras, the project aims to unravel the complex dispersal dynamics of spores from various agricultural surfaces. The findings will provide practical, actionable information for farmers to modify farm terrain and management practices to minimize spore dispersal and improve disease control.
Technical specifications
- High-speed 3D tracking system using two or four synchronized high-speed cameras to visualize and characterize spore and splash droplet dispersal
- Surface-property analysis examining how morphology, flexibility, and wettability of crop leaves, soil, and puddles influence spore liberation and transport
- Splash dynamics characterization measuring the number and speed of splash droplets and spores generated under varying raindrop and surface conditions
- Field-relevant aerosol tracking using pollen or crop-based starch particles of similar size (5–30 micrometers) as safe surrogates for real spores during field tests
- Application insights for optimizing fungicide spray timing, amount, and locations as well as irrigation system design
Technology readiness level
The research is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary laboratory tests have already demonstrated that splash droplet and spore counts and speeds strongly depend on surface properties. Planned validation includes controlled laboratory experiments using collected farm samples with high-speed camera visualization (Objective 1) and field-scale aerosol characterization using surrogate particles and 3D tracking techniques (Objective 2). The research aims to generate knowledge that can directly inform farmer management practices for fungal disease control.
About Cornell University
Cornell University is a comprehensive private, land-grant research university with campuses in Ithaca and New York City, combining significant scale with cross-disciplinary breadth. Industry connects through open-access user facilities and prototyping labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and a research and technology park that provide pathways from discovery to demonstration. A statewide extension network and integration with a major hospital system enable real-world deployment, while a graduate campus embedded in New York City’s tech corridor provides direct access to startups, venture investors, and corporate R&D teams. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP management, licensing, startup formation, and corporate partnerships across campuses.
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