About the project
The Scaphoideus titanus is the vector of the phytoplasma "Flavescence dorée" which affects vineyards of several European wine-production regions such as France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. The insect parasites old vines to implant its eggs, thus contaminating the plant with the phytoplasma. When affected, the vine gradually dies showing the typical yellow-red coloring of leaves and both stems and grapes gradually dry out. These symptoms are difficult to detect at an early stage and require the intervention of an expert, however, when spotted is often too late: the ill vine must be cut down and the disease may have been spread out to other ones. This results in huge profit loss.
The aim of this project is to develop a portable early detection system based on artificial vision and smart data analysis to help agronomists detect the infestation before it spreads to other vines. Careful attention should be also posed to the development of novel insect traps for this species.
Project idea owner
Partners we are looking for
Ideal partners should be:
- research institutions and professionals focused on entomology and agriculture
- public/private partners with access to vineyards in different countries to validate and test the developed system in different contexts (types of vines, climate)
- ideal location should be France (most affected beside Italy), Germany, and Switzerland