
PIONEERING REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY FOR PRECISION PEST MANAGEMENT IN BRINJAL CULTIVATION: A CASE STUDY FROM BANGLADESH
Author:
Sawrab Mia , Khairul Alam Bhuiyan Hamim, Mehedi Hasan Sheikh, Mst. Mow and Saudi Talukder
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
Brinjal (Solanum melongena), commonly known as eggplant, is a vital crop in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, significantly contributing to food security and rural incomes. However, its cultivation faces severe challenges from insect pests, particularly the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis), leading to substantial yield losses. Traditional pest management practices heavily rely on chemical pesticides, posing environmental risks and human health concerns, and contributing to pesticide resistance. This study investigates the use of advanced remote sensing technology, specifically UAV-based multispectral imaging, for precision pest management in brinjal cultivation in Bangladesh. The research was conducted in the Gopalganj district, known for its extensive brinjal farming. A DJI Phantom 4 UAV equipped with a MicaSense RedEdge multispectral camera was used to capture high-resolution images in five spectral bands. UAV flights were conducted bi-weekly from planting to harvest, providing comprehensive data on crop health and pest infestations. Concurrent field surveys were performed to validate and calibrate the remote sensing data, recording pest infestation levels through visual inspections. The multispectral images were processed using Pix4D software to generate orthomosaic maps and vegetation indices such as NDVI and NDRE. These indices, which are indicators of plant health, showed significant correlations with pest infestation levels. Spatial analysis using GIS software revealed distinct infestation hotspots within the brinjal fields, enabling targeted pest management interventions. Informed by the remote sensing data, targeted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies were implemented. These included biological control measures, cultural practices, and selective pesticide applications. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in pest infestation levels and increased crop yield, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of this approach.
Pages | 70-74 |
Year | 2024 |
Issue | 2 |
Volume | 4 |