Koppert Biological Systems has developed a groundbreaking innovation that will change the world of scouting. The scout-app, Natutec Scout, will automatically analyse Horiver sticky traps, enabling growers to scout more efficient and more accurately. This app is available in the Google Playstore.
Although the processes of manually scouting crops is very important, it is time-consuming and error-sensitive. That is why Koppert has developed the scout-app, Natutec Scout, which will automatically identify and count the pests on sticky traps. This will utilise smart technology such as image recognition powered by Machine Learning, which will make the app self-learning and ensure that it becomes more accurate as time progresses.
Act quickly
Thanks to this, growers only need to use a smartphone to scan the Horiver sticky traps in their greenhouses. The scout-app can identify whitefly, thrips, Sciaria, and Nesidiocoris tenuis. It is also possible to manually enter sticky trap and crop data in the app. The generated data will then be displayed in an online dashboard. This dashboard is based on a map that growers can customise to suit their needs, giving them immediate insight into the level of infestation in their greenhouses.
Additionally, the dashboard lists how pests and their natural enemies develop in relation to one another. The dashboard also integrates the application and effects of chemical corrections. “This method gives growers good insight into the system for integrated crop protection that they use for their crops. The dashboard also provides detailed analyses of the situation in the greenhouse and shows the severity of the infestation, enabling growers to act quickly. This also ensures that our consultants, who are monitoring remotely, can provide more targeted support,” explains Tom Vroegop, a Product Manager for Monitoring & Application at Koppert.
Steps towards sustainability and futureproofing
A team of specialists developed the scout-app together with Koppert’s growers and consultants, and a number of Dutch tomato growers are testing the innovation in practice. “Thanks to this innovation, growers can scout more quickly and efficiently as well as combat infestations in a more targeted way. Reducing time, labour, and costs while also ensuring more accurate work, this is one way in which digitalisation is helping to make horticulture more sustainable and future-proof,” says Vroegop.
The app
Natutec Scout provides a mutual crop protection platform for the registration and analysis of not only pests and diseases, but also the biological control and chemical agents present in the greenhouse. Scan the Horiver sticky traps in your greenhouse and the app automatically identifies and counts the insects. Or manually enter Horiver sticky trap and crop data in the app. The corresponding dashboard then offers growers the possibility to carry out detailed analysis of the situation in the greenhouse.
A few of the many features:
• Set up your own greenhouse floor plan.
• Automatic counting and identification of insects after scanning Horiver sticky trap.
• Manually enter Horiver sticky trap and crop data in the app.
• Immediate insight into the level of infestation.
• Extensive analysis when it comes to pest pressure.
• Alert when pest pressure exceeds thresholds.
• Integration and effects of chemical corrections.
