Ground-based Predatory Mite Releaser
Innovative Pest Management in Strawberry Production
The Challenge:
Florida is a leading producer of winter strawberries in the United States, but the industry faces significant challenges from pests like chilli thrips, which cause considerable economic losses. Traditional chemical pesticides pose environmental risks and may lead to pesticide resistance.
Our Solution:
The Smart Agriculture Lab at the University of Florida is pioneering a sustainable approach to pest management. We've developed a ground-based system that utilizes advanced computer vision and robotics to autonomously dispense predatory mites, specifically Amblyseius swirskii, directly onto strawberry plants. This method offers a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, focusing on enhancing both efficiency and environmental sustainability.
How It Works:
Plant Detection: Utilizing a computer vision algorithm trained with YOLOv5, our system accurately identifies strawberry plants in real time. This high level of precision allows for targeted interventions directly on the plants that need it most.
Mite Dispensing System: A custom-designed dispensing system, mounted on a remote-controlled ground vehicle, releases a calculated amount of mites as it navigates through the strawberry fields. This ensures even coverage and optimal use of biological control agents.
Key Benefits:
Precision and Accuracy: Initial tests show that our system can detect plants with over 88% accuracy, with ongoing improvements aimed at maximizing effectiveness.
Cost-Effective and Efficient: Reducing labor costs and increasing the feasibility of biological control in large-scale operations.
Environmentally Friendly: By using predatory mites, our system avoids the negative impacts of chemical pesticides, supporting a healthier ecosystem.
Future Goals:
We aim to enhance the system’s autonomous capabilities and expand its functionality to include double-row treatments. Upcoming iterations will also focus on improving the precision of the dispensing mechanism to adapt to varying field conditions and further increase the system's overall efficiency.
