Miller adds in-crop spot spraying option

An advanced spot spraying system by French tech start-up, Bilberry, is the latest addition to Miller’s range of spray tech options which includes several nozzle application systems; Raven’s XRT auto height control and four-wheel steer; Miller’s Spray-Air platform; and the WeedSeeker 2 Reflected Light spot spray technology.

The new system, available as a local factory-fitted option, uses an embedded camera network, artificial intelligence and deep learning software to identify weeds in crop.

The high speed, high definition cameras are installed at 3m intervals along the boom to scan paddocks for weeds and in turn works with the sprayer to target spray the weeds.

The company’s weed recognition algorithms are constantly evolving to ensure specific weeds are precisely targeted with the appropriate herbicide in real time.

At present, the technology is ripe for use in wheat, barley and oat crops, and is set to be available for lupins in 2022 and soon-after for broadleaf break crops and pastures.

Bilberry Australian Sales Manager, Josh Johnson, said blue lupin was expected to join the broadleaf weeds currently identified for Green-on-Green applications, while grass weeds in some broadleaf crops could be added in 2023.

National Miller Sales Manager, Peter Vella, said the recent move was part of a continued focus by Miller to offer end-users the latest in spray application technologies.

He said Bilberry was the leading provider of Green-on-Green technology in a nice, easy format and the partnership would help further grow the company’s business in Australia.

“One of the strong advantages with Bilberry is that it has recognised the importance of the Australian market and, as such, has established an office here with its CEO and a substantial part of the company’s research and development capacity based here in Australia,’’ Vella said.

“It is comforting for end-users to know that the technology and its development is being done here.”

According to Miller, green-on-green trials with Bilberry’s Intelligent Spot Spraying System have shown an average hit and kill rate of 80 per cent, as well as chemical savings of up to 90 per cent.

He said the technology also allowed the use of more concentrated and selective herbicides to better control difficult weeds. With the use of more potent herbicides as part of a targeted application, herbicide resistance of weeds can be reduced or delayed and environmental impacts are minimised, Vella added.

Another bonus with the technology is its ability to map weed populations, helping to further prevent herbicide resistance, Miller claimed.

Through the use of the technology, growers could potentially gain an understanding of crop growth stage and disease status and receive GPS-logged data that could assist nitrogen and fungicide applications, as well as their overall farm management strategy.

The Bilberry cameras can work at speeds of up to 20km/h, allowing growers to maintain high capacity spraying operations.

The system fully integrates with Miller’s electronics and is available on the Miller truss booms up to 41.5m and the Pommier 48m aluminium boom. The full integration also allows users to easily change from spot to blanket spraying.

In addition to the hardware investment, growers pay a subscription to the Bilberry’s Intelligent Spot Spraying System either per hectare or on an annual basis with unlimited hectares. This also incorporates all software updates and performance improvements.

“Every year the system is getting smarter and smarter, with improved algorithms,” Vella said.

Johnson said he looks forward to the operation of the Bilberry system on the front-mounted Miller sprayers.

“We haven’t had the system on front-mounted booms previously, so it is quite exciting and different in the marketplace,” he said.

In addition to Miller's sprayers, Bilberry’s Intelligent Spot Spraying System can also be found on Goldacres and Agrifac's sprayers.

Johnson said there was an immediate connection between the Bilberry and Miller Australia teams, driven by the high level of customer support with Miller sprayers that mirrored Bilberry’s service approach with its own customers.

“Our values both aligned and the relationship brings together a strong brand with an up-and-coming brand and will help extend our footprint across WA and Australia," he said.

A limited number of the Bilberry systems will be available with Miller sprayers for 2022. For more information, visit your local Miller dealer or visit mcintoshdistribution.com.au