Wijster/Giesbeek-Wageningen, 8 june 2026
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.
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.
About HLB
HLB is an independent research and advisory laboratory specializing in soil health, plant health and agricultural diagnostics. HLB brings knowledge into practice, from scientific research to concrete advice for growers. An integrated approach is central to everything we do, because healthy soils and healthy crops are inseparably connected.
Our motto is Farming the Future. HLB is committed to the agriculture of tomorrow. By combining innovative technologies with deep expertise and translating scientific knowledge rapidly into practical applications, we contribute every day to a more sustainable agricultural sector and a more balanced future.
About Antonie
On a mission to "Improve Soil Health" on a global scale, Antonie transforms soil and crop intelligence through AI-driven monitoring. Founded in 2021, the company combines automated microscopy, AI and high-throughput analysis to make living soil biology measurable, scalable and actionable for agriculture and environmental monitoring.
Its solutions range from nematode-based soil health and biodiversity analysis through the LIFE Monitor™ platform to real-time crop health and growth insights via the CROP Monitor™ using drone and satellite imagery. Antonie's technology enables researchers, laboratories, agricultural stakeholders and policymakers to generate standardized biological data at field and regional scale, supporting healthier soils, more resilient crops and sustainable food systems.
With offices in Amsterdam and Wageningen/Giesbeek, Antonie is expanding internationally across Europe and North America, contributing to the growing global focus on soil biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and data-driven soil monitoring.
