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The Consorzio Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato has presented the new NoviAgri project (New Application of Vegetation Indexes in Agriculture). It aims to use technology and artificial intelligence to combat vine diseases more effectively and at the same time reduce plant protection in the vineyard. The project, funded by the Piedmont region, was developed in collaboration with the University of Turin and the companies Tecnovict by Spezia and CSP-Innovation nelle ICT.
The drone presented is equipped with a precision sprayer. It uses sensors on the ground, an image processing system and a communication system to automatically regulate the output of the crop protection agent. The system also minimises the drone's drift and thus maximises the effectiveness of the crop protection. The use of the device has already shown "promising results" in the initial test phases. Plant protection products have been reduced by around 40 per cent and water consumption by around 20 per cent. From 2025, winegrowers will be able to use the drone in their vineyards.
An app and a monitoring system have also been developed to recognise vines affected by flavescence dorée or Esca disease. This makes the work of winegrowers easier and represents a major step forward in the rapid control of these diseases.
"The integration of artificial intelligence shows that technological innovation can go hand in hand with the tradition and craftsmanship of our winegrowers," said Vitaliano Maccario, President of the Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato consortium. "The project will gain international recognition," explained Mario Fregoni, Professor of Viticulture at the Catholic University of Piacenza. NoviAgri will also be presented to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) on 5 April.
(ru / Gazzetta d'Alba)