A new study shows how using drones with advanced cameras, ones that detect both heat and light, can help scientists better measure how field-grown wheat plants cope with climate change. By flying these drones over hundreds of wheat varieties, researchers could estimate key traits like how efficiently the plants breathe through their leaves, how leafy they are, and how much chlorophyll they have. They then matched these traits to specific genes in the wheat, identifying genetic markers linked to better performance under normal and dry conditions. This approach makes it easier to find and develop wheat varieties that are more resilient to climate challenges, helping to secure future food security.
A new study led by researchers at the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at Hebrew University and the Volcani Institute changes the way scientists uncover the secrets of wheat resilience. By using drones equipped with advanced thermal and hyperspectral cameras, the team has found a faster, more precise method to identify wheat varieties that can thrive in hot and dry climates, an urgent priority in the face of global food insecurity and climate change.