Video Episode Z-AGRIFOOD: HYDRAS unique field lab for drought resistant plants

Our food production can be more efficient and sustainable, among others through the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. Based on this conviction, Flanders and Europe are investing in a Test and Experiment Facility (AgrifoodTEF) at ILVO. This is an environment that helps Flemish companies bring smart digital solutions to the market faster. The AgrifoodTEF at ILVO was launched on June 7th 2023.

To mark the occasion, ILVO, in collaboration with Kanaal Z and Trends.be, is bringing the operation and services of the AgrifoodTEF into extensive focus. Under the name Z-Agrifood, 10 episodes of 4-5 minutes each on AI and robotics will be compiled in 2023. Three episodes were available in early June; seven episodes were broadcasted in autumn 2023.

The fourth episode of Z-Agrifood focuses on the HYDRAS (HYdrology, Drones & RAinout Shelters). A state-of-the-art, multi-sensor and drought controlled field phenotyping platform. HYDRAS is equipped to perform both above- and belowground phenotyping. This unique feature allows getting insight into the responses of plants to drought in a representative crop production environment. HYDRAS was developed to address two critical challenges in plant breeding for climate adaptation: 1. Access to below-ground plant traits 2. Translation of results from basic plant science to realistic field conditions.

Find out more at hydras.ilvo.be