Artificial intelligence tracks invasive plant spread during hurricane season

FLORIDA ― Preparations for hurricane season have been expedited following an increase in cyclone energy and the increase in storms during the 2020 Atlantic season. With the increase risk of more hurricanes this year, researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension are working to predict how these storms could increase the spread of invasive plants. Hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, was considered being moved up to May after formations of hurricanes last year began earlier than expected. The efforts are part of a mix of on-the-ground plant research and collaboration with hyperspectral sensing to evaluate hurricanes. Hyperspectral sensors looks at objects with a larger portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.