Chile to use AI to combat pests affecting soft fruit

Chile has launched a project to develop an early-warning system based on artificial intelligence, capable of predicting the risk of infestation by Drosophila suzukii, known as the spotted-wing fruit fly. The insect is one of the main pests affecting soft fruit production in the country.

According to El Maipo, a partner of TV BRICS, the platform will combine information on the pest’s life cycle, artificial intelligence algorithms and real-time meteorological data to identify periods of highest risk of infestation. Based on these forecasts, growers will be able to take preventive measures more accurately and efficiently.

In the initial phase, researchers will compare the results obtained on farms using the system with those recorded in control areas, where the technology will not be applied. The aim is to reduce the incidence of the pest by between 30 per cent and 60 per cent, depending on the initial level of infestation. Once the trials are complete, the tool is expected to be made available free of charge to growers across the country.

Native to South-East Asia, Drosophila suzukii differs from other fruit flies in that it attacks fruit that is still healthy while it is ripening, compromising its commercial quality even before harvest. According to experts, the integration of digital technologies and climate data represents a significant step forward in boosting productivity and strengthening the sustainability of Chilean fruit growing.