Year Awarded 2024
FFAR award amount $450,000
Total award amount $531,003
Location Ithaca, NY
Matching Funders Cotton Incorporated; NC Small Grain Growers Association, Inc.; Z3 Agriculture
Grantee Institution Cornell University
Weeds are developing herbicide resistance faster than new herbicides can be created. As a result, farmers face lower profits and yields, while greater chemical use threatens soil and water health. Xiang’s research seeks to replace the costly machinery and large quantities of chemicals used for weed control with AI-powered lightweight robots for targeted weed management. These robots can apply micro levels of herbicide at the site of weed growth, reducing chemical use by 99%, lowering costs and limiting farm workers’ exposure to chemicals. This treatment also minimizes field disturbance by protecting crop roots.