Türkiye is witnessing a breakthrough in agriculture with the development of Bugmapper, a new AI system designed by professors Handan Altınok and Alper Altınok from Erciyes University. This AI system was created to detect and control pests in greenhouses, greatly reducing the amount of pesticides used.
The AI-based system works through a web interface and uses smart traps to detect pests such as moths, thrips and whiteflies. These pests are caught in traps placed inside the greenhouse, and the collected data is analyzed via a mobile app. The information is then transferred to cloud environments, where AI classifies and maps pests, allowing for precise and targeted application of pesticides.
Bugmapper app detects pests such as tomato butterflies, aphids and whiteflies, Kayseri, Türkiye, July 6, 2024. (AA Photo)
Bugmapper receives support and funding for pest control research
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) supported Bugmapper development with nearly 900,000 TL ($27,590), facilitating continued research and advancement at Erciyes Technopark. Head of the Department of Plant Protection at Erciyes University, Handan Altınok, emphasized the role of the system in ensuring safer food production by reducing the amount of chemicals through constructive pest control.
Implementation of this system in greenhouse areas in Kayseri, Yozgat, Afyon and Mersin has resulted in significant savings in chemicals used during each season, ranging from 30% to 50%. This reduction in pesticide use is good for the environment and improves the quality and safety of agricultural products.
AI transforms pest detection with speed and efficiency
Alper Altınok emphasized the effectiveness of this system in identifying and preventing local problems in the fields. The Bugmapper system operates independently of the greenhouse infrastructure – requiring only a mobile phone and associated app. A portable, shoulder-mounted device reads the trap, allowing a field worker to collect detailed data on diseases and pests. This information is transmitted for immediate online analysis.
The AI system significantly reduces the time spent monitoring pests. Visual counting in sticky traps is labor-intensive, taking 5-10 minutes per trap. Meanwhile, Bugmapper performs this task in just 10 seconds per trap. The artificial intelligence-based web application then displays data including graphs of pest spread, risk trends and color-coded maps, allowing farmers to plan control strategies effective.
This cutting-edge technological innovation represents a major step towards sustainable agricultural practices when integrated into greenhouse farming. By reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and improving pest detection and management, Bugmapper contributes to healthy food production and environmental protection.
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