Bee-Set para um sistema de baixo custo de crescimento e monitoração ambiental-espectral de cultivos vegetais

Abstract

This Ph.D. Dissertation began with a simple proposal: to analyze and characterize the sisal red rot disease through imaging for identification and detection of the disease. Sisal (Agave sisalana) is an important crop in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil. Brazil is the world’s largest producer, and the crop is responsible for the livelihood of thousands of people in the region, primarily composed of small farmers. The fibers from its leaves are used in the production of filaments, ropes, rugs and artisanal items. Despite the intrinsic robustness of this Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plant, this disease causes necrosis of the internal tissues of the stem and its eventual death. Symptoms appear late, and the actual disease’s control methods are ineffective. Therefore, the creation of a database and images that evaluate the evolution of disease symptoms could lead to a method for field early detection and improve disease control. The focus of this work was to create this study platform and image collection: the Bee-Set. Its construction is derived from a literature review, results from pilot studies on sisal infection, and various other prototypes built to acquire the necessary know-how. The platform is composed of several modules, including: (i) a plant growth chamber with a (ii) multispectral capture system employing various imaging sensors relatively new to the market and LEDs, (iii) a specimen positioning system, (iv) a field data logger, and (v) a portable spectrometer. The platform uses open-source hardware and software and a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to significantly reduce costs, utilizing readily available materials in Brazil whenever possible. Although low-cost, the Bee-Set’s key feature is functionality, using a modularized model that allows for easy integration of new improvements and scalable design to accommodate physical dimension limitations, study other crops of interest, or even cultivate microorganisms. These features ensure that the Bee-Set is a unique solution, applying different areas of knowledge, ideas, and technologies to the construction of a multi-purpose platform in a country that struggles with high costs and limited access to scientific equipment.