AWC Researcher Uses AI to Tackle Crop Disease, Benefits Local Farmers

Arizona Western College announced that Dr. Hikmet Budak, the college director of agriculture, spoke at the American Society of Agronomy Annual Conference in Salt Lake City from November 9 to 12. Dr. Budak delivered a presentation titled “A Network Perspective on Noncoding Elements in Response to Fusarium Head Blight Using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.” The conference is recognized as the largest and most influential gathering in the field of agronomy, and faculty participation marked a high profile platform for regional research.

The timing matters for La Paz County because plant disease research translates into practical tools that can reduce yield uncertainty and input costs for producers. Fusarium Head Blight affects cereal crops worldwide and can influence decisions on variety choice, fungicide application, and storage management. By applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to genetic and molecular data, the research aims to improve detection of susceptibility and tolerance pathways in crops, which in turn can inform more targeted management strategies.

AWC emphasized that faculty presentations at national conferences raise the profile of regional agricultural research and strengthen student opportunities for hands on learning, research collaboration, and career pathways in ag sciences. “I was honored to share my research at such a prestigious scientific forum while also highlighting the exceptional work our students are doing through GOAL programs,” Dr. Budak shared. “Their contributions demonstrate the power of education, innovation, and collaboration in addressing today’s agricultural challenges.”

For local stakeholders, the practical implications are threefold. Better diagnostic tools and predictive models can lower uncertainty that affects commodity prices, reduce unnecessary chemical use and related costs, and support more competitive local producers in regional markets. For students in La Paz County, the exposure to national research networks can translate into internships, technical jobs, and improved workforce readiness in a sector facing increasing technological adoption.

Policy makers and county leaders can leverage this momentum by supporting extension services and partnerships that bring research outputs to farms. As agriculture increasingly integrates data driven approaches, investments in research translation and digital infrastructure will be central to maintaining competitiveness and climate resilience in La Paz County over the long term.