A new consortium of growers, agonomists and researchers will combine AI and smart imaging to provide new early detection and classification of Bean Seed Fly and Swede Midge in onion and brassica crops
Onion and brassica growers are set to benefit from a new research project looking at new ways to monitor and trap two key pests.
The Bean Seed Fly and Swede Midge attack onion and brassica crops respectively, and cause significant financial risk to growers.
Now, a new consortium of academics, agronomists and growers will use AI, smart trapping and real-time analytics to enable automated detection and classification of pests in the field.
The multi-year TRACER-Pest project is expected to reduce reliance on manual scouting and provide objective monitoring across commercial field trials.
Earlier detection of both pests should support more targeted use of crop protection products and improved resilience across UK onion and brassica production, the project outline stated.
Participating growers include P.E. Simmons & Son and P.G. Rix Farms, with research, agronomy and tech support from Farmacy, the University of Warwick, B-hive Innovations.
British Growers Association will help share results and promote knowledge exchange.
