Unmanned aerial systems for early detection of downy mildew in tobacco fields: enhancing financial outcomes through precision monitoring

Downy mildew, caused by <i>Peronospora hyoscyami f. sp. tabacina</i>, constitutes a significant threat to tobacco production worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. Early detection and timely management are crucial for successful disease control. In recent years, the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into agriculture has shown promising results in crop monitoring and disease detection. In a tobacco crop field aerial imagery captured by drones equipped with high-resolution hyperspectral camera RedEdge-M 5.5, allowed for the detection of subtle changes in plant health (vegetation) indicator NDVI. By employing advanced image processing techniques, the change in the vegetation indicators was identified via spectrophotometry in the field and mapped in real-time. The association of this change in plant health with the disease initiation (early symptoms) was done macroscopically, in the specific site, as appointed by the aerial unmanned monitoring system. The acquired data assisted the farmer to perform a targeted fungicide application, thus containing the spreading of the disease among the field. By facilitating timely decision-making, farmers can implement appropriate disease management practices to reduce yield losses and minimize environmental impacts associated with excessive pesticide use. Collaborative initiatives involving farmers, agronomists, and researchers can benefit from drone technology to establish comprehensive disease monitoring networks. Continued research and technological advancements in this field hold significant promise for enhancing crop health management and ensuring global food security in the face of emerging agricultural challenges.