The TomatoGuard sensors, manufactured by Altered Carbon, produced promising results during recent field trials. Reports from the sensors matched grower observations on the presence of spider mites on tomatoes in almost seven out of 10 cases.
The sensors were developed as part of the TomatoGuard: Advanced AI-Driven Pest and Stress Detection for Sustainable Tomato Cultivation project, funded by Innovate UK. The project is led by Altered Carbon, a UK company focused on developing an AI-driven 'digital nose'. The project is supported by APS Produce, Fargro Limited and the UK Agri-Tech Centre. The TomatoGuard project is based on Altered Carbon's graphene-based volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, which are combined with compact electronics and machine learning models in a cloud platform aimed at growers.
Detecting biochemical stress signatures
The parties involved describe the TomatoGuard sensors as a 'digital nose', capable of detecting plants' biochemical stress signatures. These signals can serve as early warnings, indicating the presence of diseases and pests, for example. This can help growers devise more accurate strategies for managing their crops and enable a reduction in the use of chemical protection agents.
Recently, the TomatoGuard sensors were tested at tomato grower APS Produce. During this test, reports from the sensors about the presence of spider mites matched grower observations in 69% of cases.
Improving accuracy
The parties involved intend to use the results of this test to further improve the accuracy of the sensors. Among other things, the trial collected data that could help with making the connectivity of the sensors more reliable, extending battery life, optimising sensor positioning and better understanding airflow in the canopy.
Using these insights, the parties involved aim to make the TomatoGuard sensors ready for commercial rollout. The sensors should help growers deploy integrated pest management, increase labour efficiency and contribute to net-zero emission targets.
'Early detection is essential'
"Early detection is essential for pest and disease management, and innovative sensor technologies are going to play an important role in sustainable biological applications and integrated pest management strategies. The TomatoGuard project demonstrates the potential of VOC sensors to detect spider mites in greenhouses and offers value to growers looking to improve both ecological and economic outcomes. We look forward to further development of Altered Carbon's technology based on the insights from these preliminary trials," said Lori-Leah Griffiths, Technical and Regulatory Specialist at Fargro Limited.
An APS Produce spokesperson added: "Effective crop protection starts with early detection of pests and diseases. With a more variable working workforce, it is difficult to train staff in effective identification. Systems that can provide automatic feedback on pest type and location will be essential for future success. In the future, the TomatoGuard system could mean that treatments can take place more accurately and at an earlier stage, leading to fewer plant protection products needed and reduced crop losses."
More information on the TomatoGuard project can be found here.
