Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/401644
44 NOVEMBER 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com New research holds promise for growers. by Melissa Hansen R esearchers at the University of California, Riv- erside, are developing an automated device to replace sticky traps growers commonly use to monitor insects. In trials, scientists used a sensor that consists of a phototransistor array connected to an electronic board and a laser pointing at the phototransistor array. Light fluctuations caused by insects crossing the beam were captured. The data was fed into a digital sound recorder and recorded as an MP3 and downloaded to a computer. Data was then incorporated into classification algorithms. The university's goal is to make this automated clas- sification as simple as current methods, such as sticky traps and interception traps, but with the advantages of greater accuracy, real-time monitoring, and the ability to collect additional flight behavior patterns. Dr. Eamonn Keogh, UCR computer science professor who headed the research team, built the original sensor with plastic Lego building blocks, a 99-cent off-the-shelf laser pointer, and a part from a television remote control. He believes the sensors can be built for less than $10 and powered by a solar energy or long-lasting battery. The UC scientists worked with six insect species and collected data for three years. As they added additional insect flight behavior patterns to their classification algo- rithm, the accuracy of insect classification increased. For example, using only wing beat sounds gave an 88 percent identification success rate. But adding time of day increased the success rate to 95 percent, and adding loca- tion further increased success to 97 percent. Research- ers believe that adding variables, like the height at which insects fly and the temperature and humidity of the envi- ronment, will further improve success. • Sensors help classify insects New Equipment & Technology Orchard / Vineyard Tractors 50 PTO to 90 PTO HP, 4WD Some Rental Returns Available. PARTS • SALES • SERVICE CENTRAL WASHINGTON EQUIPMENT 4020 N. Chelan Hwy • Wenatchee, Washington 509-663-8187 1-800-235-1733 YAKIMA IMPLEMENT & IRRIGATION 1922 S. First Street • Yakima, Washington 509-452-5867 1-800-572-2239 BIG CA$H DISCOUNTS or low APRs Automatic hail net A n automatic hail net was demonstrated this summer at the Westende Fruit farm in Fijnaart, The Netherlands. The net can automatically open and close in 10 minutes, according to a report in the European Fruitgrowers Magazine, and can be operated by remote control. A solar panel provides the electri- cal power. The net is white, but a black net could be used without significant light loss, because the net would only be closed while there's a risk of hail. Opening and closing of the net could be linked to a weather model where, using preset parameters, the net would close automatically in certain weather conditions. Alternatively, it could be incorporated into a smart-phone app, enabling the grower to open and close the net remotely. The cover is a pilot project run in collaboration with the orchard and nursery supply company Van Nifterik, the hail net supplier HagelnetMontage, and greenhouse supply company Alumat Zeeman.