Wheat Plant Disease Detection Using Deep Learning Techniques

Faculty of Engineering M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Bengaluru, India
Faculty of Engineering M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Bengaluru, India

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Abstract

Sick crops spell disaster for a farmer's existence. It is thus important to identify the problem as early as possible. However, checking the whole area of a farm is too time-consuming and costly. It is not even guaranteed that the job will be done to perfection. Why use traditional methods when the technology has the ability to access intelligent software? This process utilizes a type of AI called CNNs, which is a pattern recognition technology. This technology is able to analyze pictures of leaves and identify the signs of a problem without the need for human intervention. There is no need for the farmer to be in the fields while the machines identify the problem from the pixel level. The fields cover miles of land, and problems may be hidden from the naked eye. However, the technology ensures that things get done on time. Machines have the ability to see things that the naked eye cannot, especially over large areas. It is not just a matter of doing things fast but doing them fast and consistently. Time is of the essence when it comes to technology, but lag is minimal when it comes to accuracy. Cultivating crops is always a gamble, and the earlier you detect diseases, it works to your advantage. This is based on data and not on gut feel, which is trained to assume that there is a problem or health. It is not magic, it is advanced mathematics that works on green tones and discolorations. Plants manifest diseases differently, so it is learning by repetition. The more images it scans, the better as recognition is more pronounced.

Recognition occurs when CNNs learn the "language" of disease. There are digital images of leaves comprising the first step toward getting this system to recognize possible diseases. These images are compiled before the assessment occurs — the images of illness and non-illness are compiled to train the system and assess results.

This training does not happen until the images are resized and distributed evenly so that the system can be trained better. The CNN is designed in tiers so that different layers compress the details and attempt to extract attributes such as pigmentation, texture, and edge contours from the leaf images. This method, developed using TensorFlow and Keras, is a nuanced system for developing deep learning systems. Once educated, the CNN is saved, reloaded and employed to assess previously unseen images of leaves. Recognition is more precise with disease determinations as it's data relative vs. hypothetical conclusions. The less human interference, the fewer errors made in determining sick vs. healthy plants. The beauty of an intelligent system is that one image can determine what's wrong with crops based upon a system constructed for time-efficient recognition and cost effectiveness. What takes mere days to notice in the field and report back to owners occurs with educated expedience for faster results with determination. Pixels become responses through layers of meticulous training that honed in on patterns that the human eye may miss. Such image-based tricks and learned machines show how technology can venture into fields just as much as it would stay in labs.

Fields get an ally that learns automatically over time without any excess apparatus or need for hassle.