AI Initiative to Address Threat of Destructive Citrus Pest in Cyprus, Led by Eratosthenes
In a significant stride for sustainable agriculture, the MANIFESTO project was officially launched in Cyprus. This innovative research initiative, led by the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, aims to develop an AI-driven insect monitoring system to combat deadly citrus pests, particularly the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a known vector of Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease).
The MANIFESTO project integrates Earth observation satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to provide agriculture with real-time, data-driven decision-making tools for crop protection. By combining these cutting-edge technologies, MANIFESTO is set to revolutionize pest management, helping local agriculture address invasive threats more effectively while supporting environmental sustainability.
Key aspects of the MANIFESTO project include early detection of harmful insects through an advanced artificial intelligence system that monitors pests in real time. The system also integrates Earth observation satellite data with machine learning techniques to provide intelligent, data-driven decision-making tools for farmers, enhancing crop protection.
The project, titled "Machine Learning for Intelligent Insect Monitoring," is funded under the competitive call EXCELLENCE/0524 of the RESTART 2016–2020 Program by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) of Cyprus. Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, CEO of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, and Dr. Michalis Mavrovouniotis, Deputy Coordinator of the Earth Big Data Analysis Department of the Centre, attended the contract signing for the project at the RIF headquarters in Nicosia. Mr. Stavros Kampanellas, Science and Innovation Officer at the Research and Innovation Foundation, was also present at the event.
The MANIFESTO project's goal is to promote sustainable agricultural practices by enabling smarter, greener, and more resilient pest management in Cyprus and beyond. Its expected impact extends beyond the island nation, influencing agriculture internationally. The project is expected to redefine pest management, contributing to a smarter, greener, and more resilient agricultural sector.
With the launch of the MANIFESTO project, Cyprus takes a significant step forward in artificial intelligence-driven innovation for sustainable agriculture. By empowering agriculture with a focus on sustainable practices, MANIFESTO could significantly impact the agricultural sector, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
References: [1] Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence. (n.d.). MANIFESTO Project. Retrieved from https://www.eratosthenes.ac.cy/en/manifesto [2] Research and Innovation Foundation. (n.d.). RESTART Programme. Retrieved from https://www.rnf.org.cy/en/restart [3] Asian Citrus Psyllid. (n.d.). Invasive Species Compendium. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/32414 [4] Huanglongbing. (n.d.). USDA APHIS. Retrieved from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pests-diseases/huanglongbing [5] Sustainable Agriculture. (n.d.). FAO. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/sustainable-agriculture-and-food-systems/en/
- The MANIFESTO project, launched in Cyprus, seeks to revolutionize pest management in sustainable agriculture by integrating Earth observation satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
- Funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) of Cyprus, the MANIFESTO project aims to promote environmental sustainability through a real-time, AI-driven insect monitoring system that targets deadly citrus pests like the Asian Citrus Psyllid.
- Key aspects of the MANIFESTO project include early detection of harmful insects and the provision of intelligent, data-driven tools for farmers, strengthening Cyprus's stance in technology, science, and environmental-science sectors.
- By combating invasive threats like the Asian Citrus Psyllid (a vector of Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease), the MANIFESTO project has the potential to redefine pest management and impact the agricultural sector, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
- The launch of the MANIFESTO project marks a significant stride for Cyprus in artificial intelligence-driven innovation, contributing to the island nation's growth in the tech sector and fostering sustainable agricultural practices for global adoption.
