Biobest, a leader in biological crop protection, has launched its Crop-Scanner platform, designed to provide growers with a powerful tool for efficient crop monitoring and pest management. This innovative application and web dashboard enable growers and their Biobest advisors to scout crops accurately, monitor pest and disease levels, and analyze crop trends remotely. The platform, which is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Crop-Scanner supports organic crop protection by facilitating pest identification, reporting, and advice exchange, ultimately leading to timely and planned intervention. Users can easily draw their greenhouse layouts within the app, mark pest sightings, and record their developmental stages while scouting. Additionally, photos and notes can be added to enhance the information collected.
One of the standout features of Crop-Scanner is the Trap-Scanner, an automatic counter that recognizes six common pests and diseases. To utilize this functionality effectively, Biobest has developed specialized Trap-ID traps that enable the Trap-Scanner to count insects accurately. Users can simply take a photo of a trap with their phone, and the Trap-Scanner will automatically count and display the results in Crop-Scanner reports.
Sam Gui, Biobest’s High Tech IPM Market Development Manager, highlights the platform’s user-friendliness and extensive capabilities, stating, “It’s simple to use and has numerous functionalities. Growers can easily draw their greenhouses on the app. They and their staff can indicate where they’ve seen particular pests and at what stage they are at. You can easily add photos and notes while scouting.”
Crop-Scanner also provides growers and advisors with a valuable tool for data collection and analysis. The data collected through the platform can be used to develop specific pest control strategies, leading to healthier crops. The constant availability of current and historical monitoring data enhances advisory services and informs decision-making. Historical data allows growers to gain insights into the course of previous crops, aiding in more precise planning for future seasons.
Biobest is actively training its advisors to assist growers in utilizing the Crop-Scanner platform effectively. The platform is being rolled out in phases, with initial availability in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Kenya. Furthermore, Biobest plans to expand the platform’s functionalities, including integration with other high-tech applications like Trap-Eye in the near future.