Red Palm Weevil Detection System for Early Warning and Mitigation of Crop Loss

Abstract

Red Palm Weevil infestation affecting palm trees is a major problem faced by coconut farmers, causing severe economic losses to palm cultivators worldwide. This infestation is fatal to the trees and can easily spread to nearby palms affecting a large number of trees, if left undetected. Detection of infestation at an early stage is critical for timely action to save palm trees. The paper presents a system for early detection of Red Palm Weevil infestation, by providing a smart, non-invasive and portable solution to the problem. The system based on an accelerometer sensor, analyses the signals from the palm and checks out for the unique features present in the signals generated by the pest. Audio, visual and SMS warnings are generated by the system on detecting infestation. The system also wirelessly communicates the infestation status to a remote database, which stores and maintains the historical data of palm trees monitored using this device, for facilitating pest control and management.