Tekfen Tarım and Sabancı University Sign Cooperation Agreement

Collaboration Between Tekfen Tarım and Sabancı University Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center and Tekfen Tarım have collaborated to develop a world-first solution for rapid diagnosis of plant diseases. The prototype can detect disease in crops while still in the field. Tekfen Tarım, one of Turkey's leading agricultural companies, and Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) have conducted joint technology and innovation studies. The prototype developed from this collaboration can detect diseases in crops while still in the field. The prototype was developed by SUNUM researchers Stuart Lucas, Meltem Elitaş and Ali Fuat Ergenç.

Disease Detection in the Field

A world first has been achieved through the collaboration between Tekfen Tarım and SUNUM. The prototype developed as a result of this cooperation can detect disease in crops while still in the field, without requiring samples to be sent to a laboratory. Hakan Göral, General Director of Toros Tarım and Vice President of Tekfen Holding responsible for the Agricultural Industry Group, made comments on the matter.

A Major Achievement for Productive Agricultural Production

Göral emphasized in his statement that this new device represents a major achievement for more productive agricultural production in Turkey. Highlighting their pride in achieving a world first on such an important matter, Göral stated: "We carry out all our work with the aim of making things easier for Turkish farmers, reducing their costs and taking steps that will contribute to the economic development of our country. Thanks to this device, by identifying disease while plants are still in the field, we have contributed to higher-quality agriculture in our country. We will continue to undertake serious work to prevent yield and quality losses in agriculture."

"Early Field Detection Can Prevent Disease-Related Problems"

Prof. Dr. Fazilet Vardar Sukan, Director of Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), also made comments on the subject. Sukan stated: "The trust placed by Tekfen Tarım, one of Turkey's agricultural pioneers, in SUNUM's infrastructure and human resources is a source of pride for us. Through our collaboration, rapid early field detection of diseases in agricultural products will make it possible to prevent disease-related problems. By achieving a world first, we have taken an original step that will serve to improve quality in agriculture."