New AI model developed at Western detects strawberry diseases, takes aim at waste
Research from Western University could help farmers get out of a jam by using artificial intelligence (AI) and camera monitoring to enhance strawberry cultivation.
A new paper produced by local researchers aims to use machine learning to predict ripeness and detect diseases early.
The hope is that the findings of John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation at Western Engineering Joshua Pearce, electrical and computer engineering professor Soodeh Nikan, and their collaborators will help extend the growing season of strawberries in Canada.
They managed to increase the accuracy of their study by monitoring their strawberries in a controlled environment – using indoor hydroponics, and grow lights.
“We have greatly increased accuracy in detecting different diseases and also sensing the brightness of the strawberries, which is crucial for understanding the quality of the crop and determining the best times to pick,” said Nikan.
Their computer system achieved nearly 99 per cent accuracy in predicting ripeness and classifying diseases.
Joshua Pearce and Soodeh Nikan investigate strawberries grown under an agrivoltaic installation at the Environmental Sciences Western Field Station (Source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
What does this mean for the consumer? The hope is that models like the one produced at Western could help with your grocery bill.
“Reducing waste and the cost of food is obviously a big issue these days. Like everyone, I am always surprised when I go to grocery store and see the price of fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Nikan. “When choosing projects, I usually look for something that is safety critical or a societal need. With my experience in other applications, I jumped at the chance to apply my knowledge and expertise to food security.”
The team worked to make the model free, and easy to apply, with the hope that more farmers will choose to integrate it into their agricultural practice.
“The software is completely free and open-source and farmers of any type are free to download it and then adapt it to their needs,” said Pearce. “They may prefer to have the AI system send them an email or ping their phone when they detect disease or even forward an image of a specific plant that is ready to pick. The software is wide open to make it your own.”
What’s next for the team? They hope to implement their software outdoors in a less controlled environment – possibly using drones to monitor outdoor fields.
One day, a flying robot may just tell a farmer which field is ready when.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian woman dies after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy's Dolomite mountains
A 56-year-old Canadian woman died after being caught in a sudden snowstorm in Italy’s Dolomite mountains and her companion was being treated for severe hypothermia, Italy’s Alpine Rescue Corps said Friday.
2 dead, third in critical condition after attack in Kingston, Ont., suspect arrested
Two people are dead and a third suffered life-threatening injuries following an attack at an encampment in Kingston, Ont., Thursday. A suspect has been arrested following a multi-hour standoff.
Landlord tried to convert 1-bedroom units into multiple rooms, Metro Vancouver tenants say
It was the loud construction and series of Amazon packages that tipped off a group of tenants living at a rental building in New Westminster, B.C.
The Tragically Hip docuseries shares never-before-seen performances, music, access to band
As the Atlantic International Film Festival continues in Halifax, one of the main attractions at this year’s event is a docuseries about Canadian rock-n-roll legends The Tragically Hip.
Passenger ordered to pay more than US$5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behaviour
A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment – he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
Justin Timberlake expected in New York court to plead guilty in drunken driving case
Justin Timberlake is expected to plead guilty Friday following his June arrest in the Hamptons for drunken driving.
Court appearance for man arrested in Quebec for alleged plot to kill Jews in NYC
A 20-year-old man arrested in Quebec last week over an alleged Islamic State terror plot to kill Jews in New York City is expected to appear in court in Montreal.
Trump rules out another debate against Harris as her campaign announces US$47M haul in hours afterward
Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out another presidential debate against Kamala Harris as her campaign announced a massive fundraising haul in the hours after the two candidates met on stage.