IA assists in combating the caterpillar that compromises up to 70% of corn production

Embrapa has developed a method that uses image sensors and artificial intelligence to identify the corn earworm, one of the most aggressive pests in corn cultivation. The system analyzes digital images and identifies the caterpillar both on the plant leaf and on the corn cob. This way, it is possible to minimize the subjectivity of traditional methods, which are laborious and depend on human observation to perform the same task. Corn is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world and the corn earworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the main pests of the crop. This insect can cause losses capable of compromising 70% of the production, according to Embrapa researchers. The caterpillar attacks the plants both in the vegetative phase and in the reproductive phase. The work was motivated by the difference between the current detection method and the intended result, which led them to research an alternative for the early detection of pests in cultivated areas. According to ...