scholarly journals Reduction of Pesticide Use in Fresh-Cut Salad Production through Artificial Intelligence

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1992
Author(s):  
Davide Facchinetti ◽  
Stefano Santoro ◽  
Lavinia Eleonora Galli ◽  
Giulio Fontana ◽  
Lorenzo Fedeli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Single Row ◽  
Mixture Volume ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Pump Pressure ◽  
Traveling Speed

Incorrect pesticide use in plant protection often involve a risk to the health of operators and consumers and can have negative impacts on the environment and the crops. The application of artificial intelligence techniques can help the reduction of the volume sprayed, decreasing these impacts. In Italy, the production of ready-to-eat salad in greenhouses requires usually from 8 to 12 treatments per year. Moreover, inappropriate sprayers are frequently used, being originally designed for open-field operations. To solve this problem, a small vehicle suitable for moving over rough ground (named “rover”), was designed, able to carry out treatments based on a single row pass in the greenhouse, devoted to reduce significantly the sprayed product amount. To ascertain its potential, the prototype has been tested at two growth stages of some salad cultivars, adopting different nozzles and boom settings. Parameters such as boom height, nozzle spacing and inclination, pump pressure and rover traveling speed were studied. To assess the effectiveness of the spraying coverage, for each run several water-sensitive papers were placed throughout the vegetation. Compared to the commonly distributed mixture volume (1000 L/ha), the prototype is able to reduce up to 55% of product sprayed, but still assure an excellent crop coverage.

scholarly journals Combined effects of landscape composition and pesticide use on herbivore and pollinator functions in smallholder farms

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Struelens ◽  
Diego Mina ◽  
Olivier Dangles
Keyword(s):  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Pollinator Abundance ◽  
New Information ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Effect On Yield

Abstract Background Landscape composition has the potential to foster regulating ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol in temperate regions. However, most landscape studies do not take pesticide use into account even though it is the main control strategy worldwide and has negative impacts on beneficial insects. Moreover, few studies have explored these combined effects in smallholder cropping system with diverse landscapes and small cultivated fields. Methods We assessed the effect of semi-natural cover and pesticide use on pollinator and herbivore abundances and functions in 9 fields in the Ecuadorian Andes through participatory experiments with smallholder farmers. We performed a path analysis to quantify the effects of landscape and pesticide use on herbivory, pollination and ultimately yield. Results Pesticide use significantly reduced pollinator abundance but had no significant effect on pest abundance. Similarly, we found non-significant effects of landscape composition on either herbivory and pollination. The study also provides new information on understudied Andean lupine’s pests and pollinators, whose application for small farmers is discussed. Finally, we hypothesize that peculiarities of tropical smallholder cropping systems and landscapes could explain the non-significant landscape effects on insect-based processes, which calls for more research in places outside the well-studied temperate region. Conclusions Landscape composition did not show any significant effect on pest and pollinator while pesticide use decreased the abundance pollinators, but with no significant effect on yield. This study also provides information about Andean lupine reproduction and overcompensation mechanisms that could be of interest for local farmers and researchers of this understudied crop.

scholarly journals Merging Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technologies to Solve Academic Qualification Forgery Issues

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manju Jose
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Economy And Education ◽  
Academic Qualifications

This paper emphasizes the possibility of merging artificial intelligence and Blockchain technologies to solve academic qualifications forgery issues in the educational sectors. Empirical data is collected through interviews with specialists and technical people who are interested in the emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and focus group discussions in the field, as well as from reports in the reviewed literary articles. Scientific journals have also been accessed to analyse the paper goals and objectives. The findings suggest that emerging technologies can be integrated to become more efficient and effective in detecting fraud and forgery before it occurs. Considerable attention should be given to reducing and combating these issues because they have significant negative impacts on the economy and education. Accordingly, the study makes recommendations based on the results and areas of future research, considering the establishment of a unified and integrated system. Initially it will be applied as a pilot in Sultanate of Oman, then gradually it will be extended to the Gulf Cooperation Council States (GCC) and internationally particularly the affiliated and the recognized educational institutions to avoid the phenomena that affects the reputation and quality of education institutions and academic qualifications. The conclusion considers the impacts of the proposed system in the education and economy as well in general.

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automation, Robotics, Future of Work and Future of Humanity

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiyu Wang ◽  
Keng Siau
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

The exponential advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and automation are rapidly transforming industries and societies across the world. The way we work, the way we live, and the way we interact with others are expected to be transformed at a speed and scale beyond anything we have observed in human history. This new industrial revolution is expected, on one hand, to enhance and improve our lives and societies. On the other hand, it has the potential to cause major upheavals in our way of life and our societal norms. The window of opportunity to understand the impact of these technologies and to preempt their negative effects is closing rapidly. Humanity needs to be proactive, rather than reactive, in managing this new industrial revolution. This article looks at the promises, challenges, and future research directions of these transformative technologies. Not only are the technological aspects investigated, but behavioral, societal, policy, and governance issues are reviewed as well. This research contributes to the ongoing discussions and debates about AI, automation, machine learning, and robotics. It is hoped that this article will heighten awareness of the importance of understanding these disruptive technologies as a basis for formulating policies and regulations that can maximize the benefits of these advancements for humanity and, at the same time, curtail potential dangers and negative impacts.

scholarly journals Limited Nitrogen and Plant Growth Stages Discriminate Well Nitrogen Use, Uptake and Utilization Efficiency in Popcorn

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 893
Author(s):  
Shahid Khan ◽  
Antônio Teixeira do Amaral Júnior ◽  
Fernando Rafael Alves Ferreira ◽  
Samuel Henrique Kamphorst ◽  
Gabriel Moreno Bernardo Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameter ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Nitrogen Use ◽  
N Content ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Growth Stages ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
N Use

The extensive use of nitrogen (N) in agriculture has caused negative impacts on the environment and costs. In this context, two pot experiments were performed under different N levels and harvested at different vegetative stages to assess two popcorn inbred lines (P2 and L80) and their hybrid (F1 = P2 × L80) for the N use, uptake and utilization efficiency (with the inclusion and exclusion of root N content); to find the contrasting N levels and vegetative stages that effect nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to understand the relationship between the traits related to NUE. The hybrid and P2 were confirmed better than L80 for all the studied traits. NUE is mainly affected by the shoot dry weight, uptake and utilization efficiency. Extremely low and high N levels were found to be more discriminating for N use and dry weight, respectively. At the V6 (six fully expanded leaf) stage, root N content (RNC) should be considered; in contrast, at the VT (tasseling stage) stage, RNC should not be considered for the uptake and utilization efficiency. The genetic parameter performance for N use, uptake, shoot dry weight and N content could favor the achievement of the genetic gain in advanced segregating generations.

Beyond Virtual and Augmented Reality

2020 ◽  
pp. 252-265
Author(s):  
Arnold Japutra ◽  
Ricardo Godinho Bilro ◽  
Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Turning Point ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Global Order ◽  
Virtual And Augmented Reality ◽  
Negative Impacts

The chapter presents how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is combining with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. The evolution of AI is discussed, as well as its consequences. The chapter also provides an overview of the four types of intelligence in AI, and provides positive and negative impacts for society. The discussion on positive and negative effects of AI brings to light how it can help humans, but at the same time, how it can also transform society and firms. The rise of hybrid humans may be a turning point to develop a new global order, with new laws, justice, rights, and duties.

scholarly journals A review of plant protection against the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) Gmelin) and molecular methods to monitor the insecticide resistance alleles

2017 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matjaž Hladnik
Keyword(s):  
Plant Protection ◽  
Molecular Methods ◽  
Bactrocera Oleae ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Mass Trapping ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Olive Fly ◽  
Negative Impacts

<p class="Abstract"><span lang="EN-US">Olive fly (<em>Bactrocera oleae </em>(Rossi, 1790) Gmelin) is one of the most important olive pests worldwide. Most plant protection measures are based on insecticides, especially organophosphates, pyrethroids, and recently a spinosad. Insecticides are used as cover sprays or in more environmentally friendly methods in which insecticides are used in combination with attractants and pheromones as bait sprays or for mass trapping. However, due to negative impacts of insecticides to environment, new plant protection methods are constantly developing with the aim to lower the consumption of insecticides or even to eliminate them by biological control with entomopathogenic organisms, sterile insect technique (SIT), or transgenic method RIDL (release of insects carrying a dominant lethal). However, these methods need to be improved in order to guarantee adequate protection. Alternative methods than those traditionally used are required due to long term usage causing the development of resistance to the insecticides, ultimately lowering their effectiveness. Molecular methods for monitoring the frequencies of resistant alleles and the current status of resistance alleles in olive growing countries are reviewed here.</span></p>

scholarly journals The use of pesticides in Polish agriculture after integrated pest management (IPM) implementation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Piwowar
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Chemical Plant ◽  
Time Range ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Field Crops ◽  
Scale Field ◽  
Large Scale Field

AbstractThe aim of the conducted study was to characterize the attitudes and practices of Polish farmers in the area of performing chemical plant protection treatments. A particular attention was paid to identifying the relationship between the direction of changes in the volume of chemical plant protection product consumption and selected attributes of farms. The main time range of the analyses covered the period of 2013–2017. Statistical data and results of representative surveys carried out on a sample of 1101 farms in Poland were used in the research process. Due to the large number of variants of the analysed variables, a multiple correspondence analysis was used, which made it possible to determine the correlation between the examined features (direction of changes in pesticide use relative to the farm area, economic size of the farm and location of the farm). Statistical analysis showed the existence of strong relationships between the physical (1) and economic (2) size of farms and the direction of changes in pesticide consumption ((1) φ2 = 0.0907; (2) φ2 = 0.1141)). According to empirical studies, the reduction of pesticide consumption took place mainly on the smallest farms. The implementation of the integrated plant protection directive has not resulted in significant changes in the form of reduced pesticide use in large-scale field crops. This raises the need to modify the strategy and model of crop protection in large-scale field crops in Poland.

scholarly journals Copper use in organic agriculture in twelve European countries.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucius Tamm ◽  
Barbara Thuerig ◽  
Stoilko Apostolov ◽  
Hugh Blogg ◽  
Esmeralda Borgo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Copper Metal ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Organically Managed

Abstract Reduction of copper-based fungicides with the final aim of phasing out has a high priority in European policy as well as in organic agriculture. Our survey aims at providing an overview of the current use of copper-based plant protection products in European organic agriculture and the need for alternatives to allow policy makers to develop strategies for a complete phasing out. Due to a lack of centralized databases on pesticide use, our survey combines expert knowledge on permitted and real copper use per crop and country with statistics on organic area. In the 12 surveyed countries, covering together 83% of the European organically managed horticultural area, we calculated approximately 3258 t copper metal per year are consumed by organic agriculture, equalling to 53% of the permitted annual dosage. This amount is split between olives (1263 t y-1, 39%), grapevine (990t y-1, 30%), and almonds (317 t y-1, 10%), followed by other crops with much smaller annual uses (<80 t y-1). Potato, usually considered a highly demanding plant for copper inputs, only uses 39 t y-1 of copper per year. In 56% of the allowed cases (countries × crops), farmers use less than half of the allowed amount, and in 27% less than a quarter, with some variability between countries. Considering the large volumes of copper used annually, replacement of copper seems only feasible if all preventive strategies from the crop protection pyramid are fully implemented and several affordable alternative plant protection products are successfully brought to the market.

scholarly journals Analysis of pesticide use efficiency of a UAV sprayer at different growth stages of rice

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-42
Author(s):  
Qingqing Zhou ◽  
Xinyu Xue ◽  
Weicai Qin ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Chen Cai
Keyword(s):  
Growth Stages ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Different Growth Stages

scholarly journals Herbicides in surface water bodies - behaviour, effects on aquatic organisms and risk assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 157-172
Author(s):  
Marija Stevanovic ◽  
Slavica Gasic
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Surface Water Bodies

Pesticides play a very important role in reducing losses and maintaining quality in crop production. Although positive effects of pesticide use are undeniable, adverse effects are frequent. This has led to a comprehensive reevaluation of the benefits of pesticide use and potential adverse effects on human health and the environment before placing them on the market. The fact that pesticides are designed to be toxic and are deliberately introduced into the environment, makes them a very important and strictly regulated group of pollutants. The most commonly used group of pesticides are herbicides, and their detection in surface water bodies has been repeatedly reported. In spite of being designed to be toxic to target species, adverse effects on other inhabitants of aquatic environments have also been observed. In order to prevent negative environmental effects, the registration process for active substances and plant protection products involves predictive environmental risk assessments (ERA). Reliable assessment of long-term effects on non-target species, natural populations and ecosystems is a priority and ERA process is constantly being improved.

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