TECHNOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPEN AND UNIVERSAL DATA EXCHANGE SYSTEM
The project consists of evaluating the opportunities for the development of an advanced and automated reading system capable of detecting, classifying and correctly quantifying a determined set of insects, millimetre-sized or smaller, on pheromone attraction traps with different backgrounds (white, blue and yellow). The aim is to study its technical and economic viability, based on an artificial vision solution, which is capable of identifying the target insect and counting the number of individuals on the trap by capturing images through photographic cameras and developing Deep Learning algorithms.
Preventing the development of pests in crops has become an essential task in the planning and production of fruit and vegetables. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system that emphasises the use of simple and economical preventive practices with little or no impact on the environment and the consumer. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is initially based on the detection and monitoring of pests using chronotropic traps, made of a rigid and resistant paper sheet, covered on both sides with a high quality dry glue, water repellent, which does not deteriorate with high temperatures and does not contain toxic substances. The male insects, attracted by means of a diffuser containing an attractant formulated on the basis of the specific pheromone of each insect, adhere to these sheets. In this way, the pest population can be monitored. The insect families Diaspididae and Pseudococcidae are considered worldwide to be very important pests and among the most difficult to control. Current pest monitoring systems are based on periodic trapping by means of traps of different configurations and subsequent manual counting of the target species, using a binocular microscope that magnifies the image of the trap where the insects have been trapped. This methodology based on manual counting is associated with costs that limit the possibility of carrying out adequate monitoring covering significant areas. The immediate consequence is low effectiveness in the early detection of the development of pests harmful to certain crops. The methodology based on manual counting is associated with time and costs that limit the possibility to carry out adequate monitoring covering significant areas. The immediate consequence is the low effectiveness in the early detection of the development of harmful pests for certain crops. COMERCIAL QUIMICA MASSO and BATSI SOLUCIONS, SL have contacted the FEMAC Cluster to find a research centre and a company specialised in photonics to help them in the design of a method that would allow those responsible for agricultural farms to monitor the traps quickly, at a low cost and with the greatest possible efficiency.
EstThe FERO-VISION Project is aligned with the Strategic Axis of DIGITALISATION and DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY, and responds to Strategic Action A5 DEVELOP R&D&I in the area of DIGITALISATION technologies and Strategic Action A7 MANAGE PROJECT - National and Regional, within the Innovation Plan and which, among other objectives, aims to achieve Objectives 03-IDENTIFY and INITIATE new Projects, Objective 04-EXPLORE NEW OPPORTUNITIES for INNOVATION, and Objective 05-Facilitate Public and Private Funds. On the following page you can visualise the Project Alignment with the FEMAC Strategy 2020-2023. (Extracted from the strategic plan). We can describe both strategic axes as follows:
- Digitalisation: We want digitalisation to become an integral part of our companies' business. This will create additional value for their customers, farmers and agribusinesses, while growing their business and improving efficiency in their organisations. All through the promotion of extensive digital competencies among its members and all staff. The project represents the digitalisation of integrated fruit management processes.
- Sustainability development: Companies achieve long-term success when their products and technological solutions bring value to the environment, society and the economy. In the IRC Report 2022 FERO-VISIONV2 09/12/2022Page 7 of 31FEMAC Innovation Projects Application Report we want to become the reference point where our members can address the challenges and define the solutions in terms of sustainability and increase the relevance of sustainability in their decision-making processes and business models. This ensures the long-term success of the cluster companies and creates new business opportunities. The project aims to reduce the use and more efficient management of plant protection products based on the integrated fruit management production model.
