Protein from spider’s silk enhances prosthetic flexibility, while algae protein helps blind people see.
Now, using biotechnology, a Californian startup is giving plants the power of speech.
Equipped with a special protein, plants can communicate fungal- and insect infestation or water and nutrient deficiencies by emitting different coloured light signals. All visible from tractors, drones, or even satellites.
A platform uses artificial intelligence to evaluate plant data in combination with other local information and recommends solutions to farmers.
Implementation could reduce pesticide use by 50-70%, and 20-40% of disease-ridden plants could be saved annually.
Initial trials involve soybeans. Then corn and cotton.
By the way: maze-like fabric also protect against parasites. And red-blue light stimulates plant growth, even at night.
