Harnessing AI with drone imagery to detect costly celery disease before symptoms surface
UF/IFAS researchers are using AI and drone imagery to detect early blight in celery before visible symptoms, aiming to cut costs and fungicide use.Summary
University of Florida scientists are undertaking a grant-funded project to combat early blight, a fast-spreading fungal disease in high-value Florida celery crops, by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and drone technology. Led by plant pathologist Katia Viana Xavier, the team employs drones equipped with multispectral cameras to capture data beyond human sight, which is then analyzed by machine learning models to detect subtle stress signals indicative of the disease before symptoms appear. This early and precise detection allows growers to apply fungicides only to affected areas, reducing crop losses, lowering overall production costs, and minimizing unnecessary chemical use, thereby protecting both the farm and the surrounding Everglades Agricultural Area ecosystem. The project, which involves collaboration with growers and includes plans for field demonstrations and a user-friendly web platform for risk assessment, seeks to advance precision agriculture, with potential applications for other crops like lettuce.
(Source：News Ufl Edu)