Table 4 Advantages and disadvantages of pests and diseases detection methods.

Climate-based data monitoring

Significantly optimizes the use of pesticides

Enables preventive actions before outbreaks

Can be used to monitor large areas simultaneously

Increases profitability and management efficiency.

Depends on accurate meteorological and historical data

Requires specialized technical knowledge

Accuracy varies according to region/topography

A significant investment is required for implementation and training.

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Imagery-based detection

Provides a higher resolution

Easy to install

There are low-cost solutions available (covering, for example, RGB and multispectral sensors)

Allows flexibility for specific pests detection training

A single device can detect more than one type of occurrence (multi-functional).

Limited coverage compared to mobile platforms capable of transporting such kind of data acquisition devices (e.g. unmanned aerial vehicles – UAV)

Cameras require calibration to a correct acquisition angle

Several environmental conditions (poor illumination, fogginess, dirt-inducing dust particles, etc.) can significantly limit the use of cameras.

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Sound acquiring devices (microphones)

Allows flexibility for specific pests detection training

A single device can detect more than one type of occurrence (multi-functional)

For an effective operation, multiple microphones/sound acquisition systems must be spread across the croplands (e.g. vineyards).

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