Operationalization and techno-economic analysis of a Colorado potato beetle detection and control method using drones and artificial intelligence

The traditional approach to Colorado potato beetle control is to scout the edges and interior (part) of the field and apply chemical insecticides to the edges only if they are infested. Whereas a whole field application is used if there are outbreaks in the interior. An approach that targets outbreaks can reduce insecticide applications by up to 40% compared to systemic treatment. However, targeted management requires walking very long distances and visually covering large swaths of the field, which is very laborious and expensive. Drones are a suitable solution due to their flexibility of use, speed of deployment, and Ultra-High Spatial Resolution (UHSR) of the images acquired. Research conducted in 2019 by Professor Chokmani in partnership with Cultures H. Dolbec demonstrated the capability of UHRS imagery for automatic detection of CPB infestation outbreaks using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. A protocol for image acquisition by drone was also proposed. Nevertheless, the developed algorithm should be improved in terms of speed of execution and integrated into the operational process of CPB control.

Therefore, the project aims to operationalize the CPB detection method using UHSR imagery and AI for integration into the CPB management process. It is expected that the use of this approach will generate positive economic benefits for the producer and environmental benefits for society, through the reduction of input costs (labor time, fuel and pesticides). Thanks to the involvement of CECPA, a techno-economic analysis will be carried out to determine the cost/benefit ratios of the use of such a method for both producers and drone service providers in order to quantify the potential benefits for companies in the sector. The project will be conducted in partnership with Cultures H. Dolbec (the largest potato producer in Eastern Canada) and the Consortium de recherche sur la pomme de terre au Québec (CRPTQ). The project will also demonstrate the use of the maps produced by the proposed method in the targeted application of insecticide using commercial variable-rate sprayers mounted on drones or farm machinery available to Cultures H. Dolbec in collaboration with Drone Des Champs (INRS consultant). The project will also contribute to the training of qualified personnel in the use of the infestation mapping method, the drone image acquisition protocol and the targeted application of insecticides.