Enhancing pest monitoring in Lithuania’s agricultural sector!

The STELLA project is driving sustainable farming in Lithuania by addressing pest challenges head-on. With climate shifts introducing new pest species and diseases, the project steps up with advanced solutions to monitor and combat these threats effectively. By employing innovative monitoring technologies, STELLA aims to safeguard crops, minimize economic losses, and support resilient farming practices.

What was achieved in one year:

  • Satellite monitoring conducted for 12 potato fields in the Marijampolė region.
  • Deployment of insect traps in 4 fields and integration of weather stations in 2 fields.
  • Early detection and prevention of the devastating Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV), which is transmitted by aphids and can cause up to 50% yield loss.
  • Evaluation of the technical feasibility of pest traps and data collection tools, laying the groundwork for seamless scaling to large-scale operations in the coming years.

What’s next for 2025?

  • Expanding to new field locations: Monitoring will extend to 12 new fields, with 4 fields designated for intensive surveillance, adapting to crop rotation practices.
  • Enhancing scouting tools: Introducing the Eden Viewer Scouting System, which leverages AI-powered proximal sensing for detailed pest analysis from multiple perspectives.
  • Developing a holistic digital system: Integrating satellite imagery, traps, and AI-driven analytics for early pest detection and response.

Find more about the project here.