Crop conditional Convolutional Neural Networks for massive multi-crop plant disease classification over cell phone acquired images taken on real field conditions

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have demonstrated their capabilities on the agronomical field, especially for plant visual symptoms assessment. As these models grow both in the number of training images and in the number of supported crops and diseases, there exist the dichotomy of (1) generating smaller models for specific crop or, (2) to generate a unique multi-crop model in a much more complex task (especially at early disease stages) but with the benefit of the entire multiple crop image dataset variability to enrich image feature description learning. In this work we first introduce a challenging dataset of more than one hundred-thousand images taken by cell phone in real field wild conditions. This dataset contains almost equally distributed disease stages of seventeen diseases and five crops (wheat, barley, corn, rice and rape-seed) where several diseases can be present on the same picture. When applying existing state of the art deep neural network methods to validate the two hypothesised approaches, we obtained a balanced accuracy (BAC=0.92) when generating the smaller crop specific models and a balanced accuracy (BAC=0.93) when generating a single multi-crop model. In this work, we propose three different CNN architectures that incorporate contextual non-image meta-data such as crop information onto an image based Convolutional Neural Network. This combines the advantages of simultaneously learning from the entire multi-crop dataset while reducing the complexity of the disease classification tasks. The crop-conditional plant disease classification network that incorporates the contextual information by concatenation at the embedding vector level obtains a balanced accuracy of 0.98 improving all previous methods and removing 71% of the miss-classifications of the former methods

Understanding from Machine Learning Models

Simple idealized models seem to provide more understanding than opaque, complex, and hyper-realistic models. However, an increasing number of scientists are going in the opposite direction by utilizing opaque machine learning models to make predictions and draw inferences, suggesting that scientists are opting for models that have less potential for understanding. Are scientists trading understanding for some other epistemic or pragmatic good when they choose a machine learning model? Or are the assumptions behind why minimal models provide understanding misguided? In this paper, using the case of deep neural networks, I argue that it is not the complexity or black box nature of a model that limits how much understanding the model provides. Instead, it is a lack of scientific and empirical evidence supporting the link that connects a model to the target phenomenon that primarily prohibits understanding

Technologies, methods, and approaches on detection system of plant pests and diseases

This research aims to identify the technology, methods, approaches applied in developing plant pest and disease detection systems. For this purpose, it mainly reviews systematically related research on identification, monitoring, detection, and control techniques of plant pests and diseases using a computer or mobile technology. Evidence from the literature shows previous both academia and practitioners have used various technologies, methods and approaches for developing detection system of plant pests and diseases. Some technologies have been applied for the detection system, such as web-based, mobile-based, and internet of things (IoT). Furthermore, the dominant approaches are expert system and deep learning. While backward chaining, forward chaining, fuzzy model, genetic algorithm (GA), K-means clustering, Bayesian networks and incremental learning, Naïve Bayes and Certainty Factors, Convolutional Neural Network, and Decision Tree are the most frequently methods applied in the previous researches. The review also indicated that no single technology or technique is best for developing accurate pest/disease detection system. Instead, the combination of technologies, methods, and approaches resulted in different performance and accuracies. A possible explanation for this is because the systems are used for detecting, controlling and monitoring various plants, such as corn, onion, wheat, rice, mango, flower, and others that are different. This research contributes by providing a reference for technologies, methods, and approaches to the detection system for plant pests and diseases. Also, it adds a way of literature review. This research has implications for researchers as a reference for researching in the computer system, especially for the detection of plant pest and disease research. Hence, this research also extends the body of knowledge of the intelligence system, deep learning, and computer science. For practice, the method references can be used for developing technology for detecting plant pest and disease

Using deep learning algorithms to classify crop diseases

The use of deep learning algorithms for the classification of crop diseases is one of the promising areas in agricultural technology. This is due to the need for rapid and accurate detection of plant diseases, which allows timely measures to be taken to treat them and prevent their spread. One of them is to increase productivity and maintain land quality through the timely detection of diseases and pests in agriculture and their elimination. Traditional classification methods in machine learning and algorithms in deep learning were compared to note the high accuracy in detecting pests and crop diseases. The advantages and disadvantages of each model considered during training were taken into account, and the Inception V3 algorithm was incorporated into the application. They can monitor the condition of crops on a daily basis with the help of new technology-applications on gadgets. Aerial photographs used by research institutes and agricultural grain centers do not show the changes that occur in agricultural grains, that is, diseases and pests. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper determines the types of diseases and pests of cereals through a mobile application and suggests ways to deal with them

A Comprehensive Review on Intelligent Techniques in Crop Pests and Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformative potential in the agricultural sector, particularly in managing and preventing crop diseases and pest infestations. This review discusses the significance of early detection and precise diagnosis of various AI tools and techniques for disease identification, such as image processing, machine learning, and deep learning. It also addresses the challenges of AI implementation in agriculture, including data quality, costs, and ethical concerns. The analysis classifies the hurdles and AI offers benefits such as improved resource management, timely interventions, and enhanced productivity. Collaborative efforts are essential to harness AI's potential for sustainable and resilient agriculture

Predicting Agricultural Commodities Prices with Machine Learning: A Review of Current Research

Agricultural price prediction is crucial for farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. However, it is a challenging task due to the complex and dynamic nature of agricultural markets. Machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize agricultural price prediction by improving accuracy, real-time prediction, customization, and integration. This paper reviews recent research on machine learning algorithms for agricultural price prediction. We discuss the importance of agriculture in developing countries and the problems associated with crop price falls. We then identify the challenges of predicting agricultural prices and highlight how machine learning algorithms can support better prediction. Next, we present a comprehensive analysis of recent research, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of various machine learning techniques. We conclude that machine learning has the potential to revolutionize agricultural price prediction, but further research is essential to address the limitations and challenges associated with this approach