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NEWS

Imagine a future where drones and artificial intelligence work together to protect your vineyards. That's what the AI4Leafhopper project is making a reality!

Manisha Sirsat, a researcher on the AI4Leafhopper team, has developed two artificial intelligence models that analyze the aerial images captured by our latest generation drone... and these models make it possible:

  • geolocation of each vine
  • to know if there are vine failures
  • quickly identify “sick” vines”
  • optimize the application of treatments

The result? Growers can have a detailed view of the health of their vineyards, detect problems early and make more informed decisions.

Find out all about it here.

AI4Leafhopper is a project led by InPP and funded by the ICAERUS Horizon Europe program, which began in April 2024 and ended on April 30 with a final meeting involving the six European projects approved in the 1st edition of the ICAERUS program's PULL applications. The project team presented the AI-based models for detecting and monitoring the impact of the green leafhopper on vineyards.

The AI4Leafhopper project, InnovPlantProtect used a state-of-the-art drone to monitor the impact of the green leafhopper in the vineyards of our partners Reynolds Wine Growers and João Portugal Ramos. Although the results show that this advanced technology is more effective at detecting attacks at advanced stages, we are excited about the potential of this tool to provide valuable data for the management of this harmful insect.

We believe that with more research, we can refine our solution to detect early attacks and prevent significant damage to vineyards. Transforming the monitoring of this pest is where we want to go, always with the aim of protecting vineyards and guaranteeing the quality of production for winegrowers.

Over the next few days we'll be revealing everything that the AI4Leafhopper project is making a reality and how drones and artificial intelligence are working together to create a more sustainable future for viticulture. Stay tuned!

Find out all about it here.

AI4Leafhopper, funded by the ICAERUS Horizon Europe program, which began in April 2024, is now in its final stages. The development phase of the project, which took place in the field, is now over and the final stage is to present the solutions developed by our team on Portuguese soil to the market.

EVENTS

We are very pleased to announce the recent visit and knowledge-sharing session with our associate Antonio Villalobos, Agronomic Solutions Manager at Bayer Crop Science Portugal.

During the meeting, António Villalobos gave a comprehensive overview of the radical transformation that the crop protection sector is going through, highlighting two crucial vectors of innovation for the Sustainable Agriculture of the future: the growth of Biological Solutions and the advance of Digital Tools.

Trends and Key Messages

The presentation highlighted the new paradigm guiding agricultural strategy, driven by the need for greater sustainability and efficiency:

  • European leadership in reducing inputs: Europe has been at the forefront of the sharp reduction in available conventional protective active ingredients, which requires an unavoidable commitment to the constant innovation in the search for safer and more effective alternatives.
  • The Rise of the Biological: The future of crop protection undeniably lies in biological solutions. These compounds - which include biopesticides, biostimulants e biofertilizers - represent around 20% of the global Crop Protection market by 2030.
    • Functions of Biological Compounds: These products are used as biocontrol (against pests and diseases), biostimulants (improving tolerance to stress and nutrition) and biofertilizers (increasing the efficiency of nutrient absorption).
  • The Essential Role of Digital Tools: Digital technologies are the cornerstones of modern and precise agricultural management. Examples include risk forecasting (weather, pests), waste calculation and management and optimization of water management.
  • Paradigm Shift: From Products to Integrated Solutions: The sector is witnessing an evolution in companies“ portfolios, which are migrating from offering isolated ”products" to Integrated Solutions. These solutions strategically combine quality seeds, conventional synthetic products (in optimized and reduced doses), biological compounds and digital tools for more robust, efficient pest and disease control in line with sustainability objectives.

Recognition

Special thanks to Antonio Villalobos and Bayer Crop Science for the continuous collaboration and inspiring sharing of knowledge in a field that is proving to be fundamental for the competitiveness and sustainability of Portuguese agriculture.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

On November 12, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from iBET - Institute of Experimental Biology and Technology, for a session dedicated to valorization of wine production by-products as sustainable biopesticides.

The session was attended by Naiara Fernández, Senior Scientist and Leader of the iBET Technology Platform, and of João Baixinho, D. student on the same platform. The researchers shared the center's mission and main lines of research, with particular emphasis on the development of new biopesticides with high potential for agricultural application.

Innovation and the Circular Bioeconomy

The focus of the presentation was on the exploitation of wine-growing by-products, transforming waste into high value-added solutions for crop protection.

  • Potential Biopesticides: The compounds under study showed promising properties, being able to inhibit disease-causing microorganisms in crops and to exercise effective mite control, It represents a sustainable alternative to conventional phytopharmaceuticals.

  • The Tec4Green Project: The role of the project was highlighted Tec4Green, This is a mobilizing agenda co-funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This ambitious project brings together 18 strategic partners with the aim of developing a new generation of products for crop protection and nutrition, in line with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and sustainability.

Thank you

InPP would like to thank iBET for the visit and the inspiring sharing of knowledge in an area that is crucial for the future of crop protection and the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was honored to receive, on October 15th, the Hubel Verde, our newest associate. The visit provided a sharing session on the innovative solutions that the company provides for the management and protection of agricultural crops.

During the meeting, João Caço, Executive Director of Hubel Verde, and Margarida Mota, Innovation Coordinator, presented the company, its mission and its vast portfolio of products. innovative and sustainable solutions. These solutions are designed to respond effectively to the diverse needs and realities of the field in Portuguese agriculture.

Spotlight on Technology and Efficiency

The presentation focused on technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in the sector:

  • Low Volume Electrostatic Nebulizers: Special attention was paid to this cutting-edge technology, which allows for a more precise, economical and efficient application of crop protection products, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
  • Integrated Services and Solutions: Hubel Verde highlighted its scientific know-how in integrated services and solutions which cover various aspects of crop management. These holistic approaches are crucial to ensuring the greatest success and profitability of agricultural activity.

Recognition and Collaboration

InPP would like to thank Hubel Verde for the visit and the valuable sharing of knowledge and technologies. Your experience is fundamental to the development and modernization of crop protection and agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira