BASF and Agmatix bet on AI to solve a billion-dollar soybean pest problem

In a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into agriculture, Agmatix and BASF have joined forces to develop an advanced digital tool designed to detect and predict soybean cyst nematode infestations. This collaboration, launched through AgroStart by BASF, aims to provide farmers with real-time, data-driven insights to mitigate the impact of one of the most destructive soybean pests.

Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) represent a silent but costly threat to global soybean production, with annual losses estimated at $1.5 billion in the United States alone. Despite their devastating effects, traditional detection methods remain labor-intensive and underutilized. By leveraging artificial intelligence and agronomic data analytics, Agmatix and BASF seek to address this challenge with a scalable, predictive SCN detection tool that enhances decision-making at the farm level.

What Makes Axiom AI Technology a Game-Changer for SCN Detection?

At the heart of this initiative is Axiom AI technology, an advanced agronomic data processing engine developed by Agmatix. This technology refines raw agronomic data into structured, enriched datasets that fuel a machine-learning model capable of detecting and forecasting soybean cyst nematode infestations with remarkable accuracy.

Dr. Shai Sela, Chief Scientist at Agmatix, emphasized that the success of artificial intelligence in agriculture depends on the quality and consistency of data. By harmonizing SCN field trial data across different soil types, climates, and farming practices, Axiom ensures that growers receive reliable, location-specific insights. This approach not only strengthens the model’s predictive capabilities but also enhances its adaptability to various agricultural environments.

Why Is the BASF-Agmatix Partnership Critical for Digital Agriculture?

The BASF-Agmatix partnership underscores a broader industry shift toward digital agriculture, where data-driven solutions complement traditional crop protection strategies. Through AgroStart by BASF, the collaboration integrates Agmatix’s AI-powered agronomic expertise with BASF’s extensive knowledge of seed treatment and crop protection solutions.

Mika Eberl, Head of AgroStart by BASF, noted that this initiative aligns with BASF’s commitment to combining biological, chemical, and digital innovations to enhance farm productivity. He highlighted that the SCN detection tool will work alongside BASF’s upcoming Nemasphere™ technology, reinforcing a multi-layered defense against soybean cyst nematodes.

How Do Soybean Cyst Nematodes Threaten Global Crop Yields?

Soybean cyst nematodes are one of the most insidious pests affecting soybean crops, primarily because their presence often goes undetected until significant damage has already occurred. These microscopic parasites infect the roots of soybean plants, restricting nutrient uptake and reducing yields by up to 30% in heavily infested fields.

Unlike above-ground pests, which can be controlled through visible symptoms, SCN infestations are difficult to identify without extensive soil testing. Traditional detection methods, such as mid-season root digs or laboratory-based soil analysis, are often too time-consuming and impractical for large-scale farming operations. As a result, many growers remain unaware of SCN pressure until yield reductions become apparent, by which time effective control measures are limited.

The introduction of an AI-powered SCN detection tool could significantly change this landscape by providing early, data-driven alerts that allow farmers to implement targeted pest management strategies before irreversible damage occurs.

How Will the SCN Detection Tool Improve Farm Management Practices?

By integrating with existing farm management platforms, the new SCN detection tool aims to deliver actionable insights that are both accessible and easy to use. Unlike traditional methods, which require manual sampling and laboratory testing, this AI-driven solution will provide near real-time risk assessments, allowing growers to make informed decisions about crop rotation, seed selection, and nematicide application.

Ron Baruchi, President and CEO of Agmatix, stated that digitizing extensive SCN field trial data through Axiom technology will enable a scalable, proactive approach to nematode management. He emphasized that farmers need cost-effective, predictive solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing agronomic practices.

What’s Next for AI in Crop Protection?

The collaboration between Agmatix and BASF represents a significant step forward in the convergence of digital agriculture and traditional pest management. As the adoption of AI-driven agronomic solutions grows, future advancements could expand beyond soybean cyst nematodes to address other soil-borne pathogens, disease outbreaks, and pest infestations.

With BASF’s extensive pipeline of agricultural innovations and Agmatix’s expertise in AI-driven agronomic modeling, this partnership signals a broader industry movement toward data-enhanced decision-making in farming. As AI continues to transform the agricultural sector, predictive analytics could become an essential tool in optimizing yields and minimizing crop losses worldwide.