Axomap Application

The Axomap Application project will carry out a technical validation of a process proven during a pilot study in 2016 and 2017 that is able to identify potato tubers during harvesting so they can be separated into batches that have similar Dry Matter and dormancy characteristics. This will enable growers to be more efficient by reducing chemical sprout suppressant treatments like CIPC, dispatch tubers for processing before they begin sprouting according to the grade they were assigned during harvesting. It will also allow food processors to produce more consistent products, thereby becoming more efficient by reducing food factory wastage. These will be the main outcomes of the Axomap Application project. The study will also quantify the benefits of more regular monitoring of crop growth, using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle imagery, against the cost of introducing these new Remote Sensing practises. As such, this project represents value to partners and the tax payers as it will help to roll-out products and services with many social and economic benefits.