Digital Science Powers Next Generation Innovations in Crop Protection

By Andi Anderson

The Institute for Digital and Advanced Agricultural Systems (IDAAS) is set to host an informative seminar highlighting how digital and predictive science is guiding the future of crop protection. This session will bring together a distinguished team from Corteva Agriscience to share their expertise on the rapidly changing landscape of agricultural innovation.

The event will feature several leaders from Corteva’s research and development sectors. Experts include Byron Sleugh, Leader of the Integrated Biology Center of Expertise; Phil Ranly, R&D Team Leader; Sean Gehan, Predictive Safety Center Leader; Ken Clevenger, Metabolomics Group Leader and Natural Products Discovery Co‑Leader; and Lucas Bobadilla, Senior Data Scientist. Together, they will explain how digital technologies and predictive approaches are improving every stage of crop protection product development.

The seminar will focus on how advanced tools are helping scientists design, test, and refine new agricultural solutions with greater accuracy and speed. Digital platforms and analytical systems now support crucial decisions, beginning with early‑stage discovery and continuing through to final commercial launch.

This integrated, data‑driven approach allows researchers to assess product performance, understand risks, and identify potential improvements long before field testing.

Attendees will learn about a variety of topics, including predictive modeling strategies that help reduce risks in early development. Presenters will also discuss how digital transformation is reshaping product science workflows, making processes more efficient and helping teams handle large data sets with ease.

Computational tools used to understand modes of action and manage resistance will also be explored. The seminar will present new methods used in natural product and microbial discovery, which support the creation of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Insights into development timelines and cost factors in crop protection will further help participants understand the complexity of modern research.

This seminar provides a valuable opportunity for students, researchers, and industry professionals to hear directly from leaders applying artificial intelligence, analytics, and computational science to advance agriculture. It will be held on March 12, Thursday, at 11:30 AM in ABE 1164.

Attendees are invited to join the session to explore how digital science is driving the next generation of safe, effective, and sustainable crop protection technologies.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic