Early detection of soil-borne diseases in field crops via remote sensing

Soil-borne diseases in field crops pose a significant threat to crop yield. Early detection is essential for applying agro-technical solutions and deterrence material, and reducing the number of treatments in disease-free areas. Remote sensing tools were developed for the early detection of late wilt disease (LWD) and white mould (WM) caused by the pathogen Magnaporthiopsis maydis and Sclerotium Rolfsii, respectively. Agricultural fields with a history of infection with LWD and WM were selected. Thermal and visible light aerial imagery were obtained using unmanned aerial vehicles. Remotely sensed findings were validated with ground monitoring. The thermal sensor detected the onset of disease even before it could be traced by visible light. Both visible and thermal imaging were effective in detecting LWD and WM and matched the dehydration symptoms and sclerotia detected in-situ. Early detection of diseases may reduce pesticide application, and increase crop yield, thus achieving environmental and commercial advantages.