Pioneer launches new mobile tool to identify pests, diseases and deficiencies in crops

On June 22, Pioneer released a major update to its Pioneer Seeds App with a new tool: Threat ID. This technology delivers farmers access to cutting-edge pest, disease and deficiency identification technology for their crops in the palm of their hands.

Threat ID, powered by Plantix, allows farmers to detect issues impacting their fields by simply taking one crop photo. It then recognizes the specific patterns left behind by pests and provides an immediate identification of the most likely pest or disease threats and nutrient deficiencies. Threat ID boosts the efficiency of scouting and allows farmers to schedule follow-up consultations with their local Pioneer agronomist.

“Threat ID, as part of the Pioneer Seeds App, empowers growers to make more rapid and informed decisions regarding issues they see while walking their fields,” said Jeremy Groeteke, U.S. Pioneer Digital Ag Lead. “With the ability to effectively identify crop issues, growers can more easily leverage the Pioneer agronomy team to its full capacity to get treatment recommendations that help maximize seed investment and protect yield potential.”

Threat ID uses modeling technology that covers 30 crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum. With an ever-growing catalog of 20 million photos spanning the entire life cycle of crops, Threat ID provides accurate results throughout the entire growing season. Farmers can get instant results by taking a photo using Threat ID while in the field or by uploading it later when an internet connection is available. With the threat identified, farmers can then access the extensive agronomic expertise of international crop scientists and local Pioneer agronomists for treatment recommendations. 

“Adding Threat ID to the Pioneer Seeds App is a result of a strong collaboration between Corteva Agriscience and Plantix,” Groeteke said. “We’re excited to add this new tool to our already comprehensive package of digital solutions for farmers.”

- Threat ID joins the Pioneer Seeds App suite of digital agronomy tools, including:

- Yield Estimator to capture yield estimates using a smartphone or tablet camera

- Digital Tag to get detailed information about a seed bag’s batch

- Rate Estimator to determine optimum seeding rate for maximized performance

- Vegetation Index to check on relative health of fields

The Pioneer Seeds App with the Threat ID update is available for download at no cost at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.