Digital Agronomy & Weeds Lab
Advancing sustainable agriculture through precision technology and data-driven research
Remote Sensing
UAV & satellite imagery analysis
Data-Driven
Machine learning & AI applications
Sustainable Agriculture
Environmentally conscious solutions
About the Lab
Bridging traditional weed science with digital agriculture
The Digital Agronomy and Weeds Lab (DAWL) at the University of Manitoba focuses on advancing sustainable crop production through precision agriculture and data-driven weed management.
Our research integrates remote sensing, UAV-based technologies, and field experimentation to better understand crop-weed interactions and improve agricultural decision-making.
We aim to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical applications for farmers and industry stakeholders.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Dilshan Benaragama
Assistant Professor
Dr. Benaragama leads the Digital Agronomy and Weeds Lab at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on developing innovative approaches to weed management and crop production using cutting-edge digital technologies.
- Ph.D. in Plant Science
- Expert in Precision Agriculture
- UAV Remote Sensing Specialist
Research Areas
What we do
Our research integrates traditional weed science with cutting-edge digital technologies to advance sustainable crop production.
Our Team
Meet the researchers
Our diverse team combines expertise in weed science, remote sensing, machine learning, and agronomy.
Research Staff
Dr. Mujahid Hussain
Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manitoba focusing on precision agriculture, UAV-based technologies, and data-driven weed management.
Dr. Kenneth Anku
Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manitoba focusing on remote sensing, plant physiology, and data-driven approaches for precision agriculture and crop productivity.
Mike Runzika
Research Technician
Research Technician at the University of Manitoba with expertise in field experimentation, data collection, and agricultural research operations.
Graduate Students
Stephanie Dushimwe
M.Sc. Student
Machine learning for weed detection
Thinuja Dharmarathna
Ph.D. Student
UAV-based crop monitoring
Mohamed Naeem
M.Sc. Student
Precision herbicide application
Heshan Ranawake
Ph.D. Student
Digital phenotyping
Publications
Recent publications
Our research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals in weed science, remote sensing, and agricultural technology.
Machine learning approaches for early weed detection in wheat fields using UAV imagery
Hussain, S., Benaragama, D., et al.
Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 215: 108432
Evaluation of cover crop mixtures for weed suppression in organic canola production
Anku, E., Benaragama, D., et al.
Weed Technology, 38(2): e15
Spectral indices for detecting nitrogen stress in canola using multispectral UAV imagery
Dharmarathna, T., Benaragama, D., et al.
Remote Sensing of Environment, 298: 113812
Integrated weed management reduces herbicide use while maintaining wheat yields
Dushimwe, S., Anku, E., Benaragama, D.
Field Crops Research, 302: 109078
Variable rate herbicide application based on weed density maps in soybean
Naeem, M., Hussain, S., Benaragama, D.
Precision Agriculture, 23(4): 1245-1262
Opportunities
Join our team
We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join our team at the University of Manitoba.
Graduate Students (MSc / PhD)
Graduate
We welcome applications from highly motivated students interested in weed science, precision agriculture, and UAV-based technologies.
Apply NowPostdoctoral Researchers
Postdoc
Opportunities may be available for postdoctoral researchers with strong backgrounds in agronomy, remote sensing, or data-driven agriculture.
Apply NowDon't see a fit?
We welcome applications from exceptional candidates at any time. If you're passionate about agricultural research and technology, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact
Get in touch
Interested in our research, collaboration opportunities, or joining the lab? We'd love to hear from you.
Location
222 Agriculture Building, 66 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada