What if plants could talk to farmers and tell them when they’re distressed? That would not only help the plants but also reduce the amount of agricultural waste that threatens the planet’s health.
Much of agriculture may look green, but the industry is one of the world’s biggest carbon offenders. It accounts for at least 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to 2021 data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Agricultural waste adds to the problem.
Even with the use of pesticides, up to 40% of most food crops globally are lost to disease and pests, according to a 2023 report from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Now companies like SatAgro, Climate FieldView, and a California-based startup called InnerPlant are working to reduce agricultural waste.
Using genetic engineering, InnerPlant helps crops communicate with their farmers. The technology uses fluorescents that emit a signal in the leaves when a plant …