Wijster/Giesbeek-Wageningen, 8 june 2026
Wijster/Giesbeek-Wageningen, 8 june 2026
HLB and Antonie Take New Step in Nematode Diagnostics with AI Technology
HLB and Antonie Take New Step in Nematode Diagnostics with AI Technology
A breakthrough in potato cyst nematode analysis brings the agricultural sector closer to fast, scalable and standardized diagnostics. HLB and Antonie have developed a new AI-driven technology that automates one of the most labor-intensive parts of the analysis process.
A breakthrough in potato cyst nematode analysis brings the agricultural sector closer to fast, scalable and standardized diagnostics. HLB and Antonie have developed a new AI-driven technology that automates one of the most labor-intensive parts of the analysis process.
During the annual meeting of the European Society of Nematologists (ESN), Antonie co-founder Peter den Hartog presented a world-first: an innovative method for the automated analysis of potato cyst nematodes (PCN).
“This is an important breakthrough that impacts the entire sector,” said Den Hartog. “And a major step toward fully scalable nematode analysis.”
By combining artificial intelligence (AI), automated microscopy and advanced image analysis, a large part of the analysis process can now be performed faster, more consistently and at scale.
Potato cyst nematodes are among the most economically damaging soil-borne pests worldwide. Reliable and timely analysis is essential for crop management decisions, export certification and integrated crop protection. Until now, this work has relied heavily on specialist microscopy and highly experienced laboratory personnel.
During the annual meeting of the European Society of Nematologists (ESN), Antonie co-founder Peter den Hartog presented a world-first: an innovative method for the automated analysis of potato cyst nematodes (PCN).
“This is an important breakthrough that impacts the entire sector,” said Den Hartog. “And a major step toward fully scalable nematode analysis.”
By combining artificial intelligence (AI), automated microscopy and advanced image analysis, a large part of the analysis process can now be performed faster, more consistently and at scale.
Potato cyst nematodes are among the most economically damaging soil-borne pests worldwide. Reliable and timely analysis is essential for crop management decisions, export certification and integrated crop protection. Until now, this work has relied heavily on specialist microscopy and highly experienced laboratory personnel.
Automating a Labor-Intensive Process
The new technology automates exactly this labor-intensive part of the workflow. By combining AI, automated microscopy and high-throughput image analysis, large numbers of eggs and juveniles from opened cysts can be assessed rapidly and reproducibly.
“Laboratories around the world face the same challenge. The work is highly specialized, extremely labor-intensive and qualified personnel are increasingly difficult to find,” said Pieter Vos, Managing Director of HLB. “With Antonie’s technology, we can now support a significant part of this process without compromising quality or reproducibility.”
Jerome H. Mol, CEO of Antonie, added: “HLB understands exactly what the market needs. That makes them the ideal partner to help realize our mission of ‘Improving Soil Health’.”
As a specialized agricultural laboratory, HLB played an important role in the development and validation of the new methodology. Existing protocols for isolating and opening cysts remain unchanged. The innovation lies in the automated analysis of cyst contents, a step that until now has been performed largely by hand.
According to Vos, this development aligns closely with HLB’s ambition to make innovative diagnostics accessible to agricultural practice.
“By combining new technologies with our expertise in soil and plant health, we can continue providing our customers with reliable analyses and future-proof solutions.”
Innovation Supporting Better Crop Decisions
Beyond potato production, the technology also offers opportunities for other cyst-sensitive crops such as sugar beet and soybean. As a result, this innovation contributes to more efficient diagnostics, improved crop management decisions and more sustainable agriculture.
With this development, HLB and Antonie are taking an important step toward the future of nematode diagnostics: faster, more scalable and supported by the power of AI.
Automating a Labor-Intensive Process
The new technology automates exactly this labor-intensive part of the workflow. By combining AI, automated microscopy and high-throughput image analysis, large numbers of eggs and juveniles from opened cysts can be assessed rapidly and reproducibly.
“Laboratories around the world face the same challenge. The work is highly specialized, extremely labor-intensive and qualified personnel are increasingly difficult to find,” said Pieter Vos, Managing Director of HLB. “With Antonie’s technology, we can now support a significant part of this process without compromising quality or reproducibility.”
Jerome H. Mol, CEO of Antonie, added: “HLB understands exactly what the market needs. That makes them the ideal partner to help realize our mission of ‘Improving Soil Health’.”
As a specialized agricultural laboratory, HLB played an important role in the development and validation of the new methodology. Existing protocols for isolating and opening cysts remain unchanged. The innovation lies in the automated analysis of cyst contents, a step that until now has been performed largely by hand.
According to Vos, this development aligns closely with HLB’s ambition to make innovative diagnostics accessible to agricultural practice.
“By combining new technologies with our expertise in soil and plant health, we can continue providing our customers with reliable analyses and future-proof solutions.”
Innovation Supporting Better Crop Decisions
Beyond potato production, the technology also offers opportunities for other cyst-sensitive crops such as sugar beet and soybean. As a result, this innovation contributes to more efficient diagnostics, improved crop management decisions and more sustainable agriculture.
With this development, HLB and Antonie are taking an important step toward the future of nematode diagnostics: faster, more scalable and supported by the power of AI.
About Antonie
Under the motto Improving Soil Health, Antonie transforms soil and crop intelligence through AI-powered monitoring at scale. Its solutions range from nematode-based soil biodiversity analysis (LIFE Monitor™) to real-time crop insights via drone and satellite imagery (CROP Monitor™).
From its base in Giesbeek (Wageningen), Antonie enables farmers, researchers, and policymakers to develop healthier soils, more resilient crops, and sustainable food systems.
For more information, visit: www.antonie.ai
About HLB
HLB supports the agriculture of the future by combining innovative technologies with deep expertise and translating them rapidly into practical applications.
With locations in Wijster and Dronten, HLB is part of the HLB Group alongside De Groene Vlieg and the Nutrient Management Institute (NMI).
For more information, visit: https://www.hlbbv.nl/nl/
About Antonie
Under the motto Improving Soil Health, Antonie transforms soil and crop intelligence through AI-powered monitoring at scale. Its solutions range from nematode-based soil biodiversity analysis (LIFE Monitor™) to real-time crop insights via drone and satellite imagery (CROP Monitor™).
From its base in Giesbeek (Wageningen), Antonie enables farmers, researchers, and policymakers to develop healthier soils, more resilient crops, and sustainable food systems.
For more information, visit: www.antonie.ai
About HLB
HLB supports the agriculture of the future by combining innovative technologies with deep expertise and translating them rapidly into practical applications.
With locations in Wijster and Dronten, HLB is part of the HLB Group alongside De Groene Vlieg and the Nutrient Management Institute (NMI).
For more information, visit: https://www.hlbbv.nl/nl/
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Copyright © 2026 Antonie™
All Rights Reserved
