Implementing STELLA PSS for sustainable agriculture

#PestManagement #Agriculture #HorizonEuropeProgramme #STELLAProject #PestSurveillanceSystem #SustainableAgriculture #PestDetection #EarlyWarningSystems #AgriculturalInnovation #CropProtection

The STELLA project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to revolutionize pest management in agriculture. With the development of a holistic digital system, STELLA PSS (Pest Surveillance System), farmers and agricultural professionals can expect significant advances in early warning, detection and response strategies for plant pathogens.

The three-year project will focus on the development of three key subsystems:

Early Warning System: Using new pest forecasting models and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, this subsystem is designed to provide farmers with timely warnings of potential pest outbreaks, allowing for proactive pest management strategies.

Pest Detection System: Using the latest technologies such as Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPA), Remote and Near Sensing, Citizen Science and Traps, this sub-system will provide efficient and accurate detection of pests in agricultural fields.

Pest Response System: Equipped with geolocation access points, this subsystem will facilitate the initiation of containment and countermeasures, helping to mitigate the spread of pests and minimize crop damage.

The effectiveness of STELLA PSS will be tested in six pilot use cases (UCPs) covering different crops and geographic regions, including arable, orchards, vineyards and forests. Focusing on eight different quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) diseases, the project aims to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to diverse agricultural landscapes.

Starting on January 1, 2024, the STELLA project kicked off with a successful meeting held on February 6 and 7, 2024 in Athens. Representatives from 14 partner organizations from seven countries came together, highlighting the nature of the collaboration and the international scope of the project.

The STELLA project represents a significant step forward in pest management for sustainable agriculture. Leveraging the power of technology and collaboration, STELLA PSS promises to provide farmers, agronomists and agricultural engineers with the tools they need to protect crops, preserve the environment and ensure food security for future generations.

Tags: Pest Management, Agriculture, Horizon Europe Programme, STELLA Project, Pest Surveillance System, Sustainable Agriculture, Pest Detection, Early Warning Systems, Agricultural Innovation, Crop Protection