Research Explorer

Project

Detection and monitoring of insect pests in Eucalyptus plantations using satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle data
Code
01W05322
Duration
01 October 2022 → 30 September 2027
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Remote sensing
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Forest protection
Keywords
Forest health UAV Insect pests
 
Project description
 

Eucalyptus plantations are essential for the viability of local communities in South Africa. Invasive pests threaten their sustainability. Gonipterus is a leaf-feeding beetle that defoliates eucalyptus trees. Conventional methods for detecting infestation are spatially restrictive. In this project, we explore the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and time-series Sentinel-2 imagery to detect potential outbreaks of Gonipterus in an early stage.