Research project Digital technologies for plant health, early detection, territory surveillance and phytosanitary measures
General introduction
STELLA aims to develop a holistic digital system (STELLA PSS) to aid in the early warning and detection of regulated pests together with a response strategy by using modern sensing technology and Artificial Intelligence. The STELLA PSS will be tested over three years at field, farm and regional levels across 6 Use Case Pilots (UCPs) covering arable, orchard and vineyard crops as well as large, difficult to reach areas (forests). STELLA focuses on eight (8) different RNQP and quarantine diseases transmitted in a variety of ways, that expand across 4 European countries with different climate and geological characteristics and New Zealand. The project builds on existing warning and monitoring networks to create data-driven solutions using AI, spectral imaging, modeling, IoT, and smart traps.
Research approach
At the start of the project, harmonized data collection protocols are drawn up at field, farm, and regional levels. STELLA is developing an integrated digital Pest Surveillance System (PSS) with three complementary subsystems: early warning, pest detection, and pest response. The technologies developed are tested over a period of three years in six use cases relating to arable, orchard, and vineyard crops and large, hard-to-reach areas (forests) in Europe and New Zealand. Stakeholders will actively participate through citizen science and will be trained to use the STELLA PSS in a sustainable manner. Capacity-building activities are expected to equip farmers, agronomists, and stakeholders with the necessary skills to use the STELLA system and encourage them to use environmentally friendly crop protection methods. These contacts with stakeholders will create opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences.
Relevance/Valorization
The researchers expect that the project will also result in policy recommendations that support the European Commission's objectives in reducing pesticide use and combating priority outbreaks of plant diseases. These recommendations are based on data and insights from the STELLA early warning, detection, and response system.
