An innovative AI camera system is being piloted in greenhouses to revolutionize the way pests and diseases are detected and managed, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. The system, developed by Israeli company Viewnetic, utilizes an AI-powered camera mounted on a pipe rail trolley to capture high-resolution images of plant leaves, enabling early detection of pests, diseases, and even beneficial insects.

The AI system analyzes the images to identify various pests like spider mites, thrips, and their eggs, even at stages when they are barely visible to the naked eye. This allows growers to intervene much earlier than with traditional scouting methods, precisely deploying biological control agents to manage pest populations.

Traditional scouting methods are time-consuming and may not catch infestations until damage is already visible. The AI camera system offers a more efficient and accurate approach, saving growers time and enabling them to make data-driven decisions about pest management.

The system not only identifies pests but also recognizes beneficial insects, such as predatory mites and bugs, allowing growers to optimize their deployment for effective biological control. This precise approach helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which are facing increasing scrutiny due to concerns about residues on produce and stricter regulations.

The AI system provides growers with a dashboard that displays the development of pest and beneficial insect populations in the greenhouse, accurate to the square meter. This detailed insight allows growers to monitor the effectiveness of their control strategies and adjust them as needed.

The system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training for growers to operate. Future developments include the integration of autonomous driving capabilities, enabling the camera to move through the greenhouse independently.