Fruit Spotting Bugs (FSB) Amblypelta nitida and Banana Spotting Bugs (BSB) Amblypelta lutescens lutescens pose a significant threat to avocado growers across Australia’s horticulture industry.
Elegant Media in partnership with Macquarie University is presently developing AI-Powered Smart Traps that when completed, will track and monitor fruit and banana spotting bugs automatically on a 24/7 basis, sharing instant notifications directly to farmer devices.
The goal of this project – made possible by funding from Hort Innovation – is to develop an automated monitoring system using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Computer Vision to create smart traps that detect and quantify these pests in real-time, helping farmers better manage them and improve productivity and crop health.
Elegant Media recently concluded a farm visit, facilitated by Avocado Australia, to avocado farms in the Ballina region of New South Wales.
The purpose of the visit was to collect images and videos of Fruit Spotting Bugs in their natural environments. This data is critical for training the AI systems to recognise and monitor these pests accurately. The visit also provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by growers. The team engaged directly with producers, discussing obstacles such as the best methods for capturing data in real-world environments and optimising AI systems to reliably identify and track these pests. This firsthand understanding is helping to shape a more tailored and effective AI-powered monitoring system.
A Game-Changer for Horticulture
Pest infestations are a major challenge for Australian avocado growers, leading to significant crop losses and increased pesticide use. Traditional monitoring methods are labour-intensive and often inefficient.
Key Benefits of Automating Fruit & Banana Spotting Bug Monitoring with AI
- Save Time – Automated tracking means no more manual pest checking, giving farmers more time to focus on their crops.
- Accurate Pest Data – AI gives farmers clear insights into where pests are, how many there are, and when to take action.
- Cut Costs – Targeted pest management reduces pesticide use, helping farmers save on costs while still keeping crops protected.
- Better Crop Protection – By detecting pests early and applying precise treatments, farmers reduce pest damage and improve crop health.
- Eco-Friendly – Using less pesticide means fewer chemicals in your environment, making farming more sustainable.
How do AI-Powered Traps Work?
AI-powered traps are designed to track and monitor fruit and banana spotting bugs 24/7, sending pest activity data directly to devices. Here’s how they help avocado farmers:
- Pest Detection – The traps use AI to detect pests early, before they can do major damage.
- Instant Data Transfer – Farmers get updates on pest numbers and locations directly to their smartphone or tablet.
- Informed Decisions – With precise data farmers can apply treatments exactly where and when they are needed, saving time and resources.
- Higher Yields – Smarter pest control leads to healthier plants, better fruit quality, and ultimately, higher yields.
What’s Next
When the development of the specific AI models by Elegant Media is finished, the models will then be trained on large datasets of pest images from various crop settings.
This will be followed up with field testing in key avocado-growing regions. If successful, this technology could rapidly be expanded to other crops affected by similar pests.
A Win for Farmers, the Environment, and Innovation
This important initiative highlights how AI and smart technology can solve real-world agricultural challenges. With Horticulture Innovation Australia’s support, Macquarie University and Elegant Media are paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in farming.
Funding Statement:
The using artificial intelligence to develop automated monitoring systems for the banana and fruit spotting bugs project (BY23000) is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from Brightest Australia Pty Ltd T/A Elegant Media and contributions from the Australian Government.
