• Richard. E. Baird. - Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University

The purpose of the study is to determine the spectral signatures, employing hyperspectral images, responsible for increasing plant stress and subsequent disease (e.g. diversity and density) severity of soybeans at preselected time intervals (temporal resolution) during the growing season. From the results obtained, hyperspectral imagery data will be correlated to whole-field situations employing ground truthing verification from growers fields used in SMART program fields. Within each field, plots will be established to identify critical parameters (e.g soil rhizosphere factors) responsible for increasing plant stress and subsequent disease. Personnel assigned to the project also assist on other related projects working on cotton or soybean.