Short Wave Grape Growers' Next Collaborators? Robots
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Dec 10, 2024 Discover the PhytoPatholoBot, a robot transforming grape farming by autonomously scanning vineyards for diseases. Learn how these smart machines, equipped with cameras, achieve over 90% accuracy in detecting mildew, crucial for grape quality. Hear insights from experts on the challenges of grape disease management and the evolving role of robotics in agriculture. Instead of replacing farmers, these robots enhance their capabilities, paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in viticulture.
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Mildew's Impact
- Powdery and downy mildew harm grapes by reducing sugar and increasing bitterness.
- Even a small mildew infection (3-5%) can ruin an entire wine grape crop.
Mildew's Spread
- Powdery mildew can overwinter and reinfect new leaves in spring through rain splash.
- Downy mildew thrives in humid climates but not dry ones like New Mexico or California.
Fungicide Resistance
- Growers spray fungicides 10-15 times per year to combat mildew, which leads to resistance.
- This mirrors antibiotic resistance; pathogens evolve faster than new treatments emerge.