DHYNAMite: Integrated plant protection through drone-based hyperspectral imaging

In our latest research project, HAIP Solutions collaborates with Katz Biotech, Weber Agrar Robotik GmbH and the Institute of Botany at Leibniz University Hannover to advance integrative and sustainable plant protection. The joint goal is to enable a demand-oriented and precise application of beneficial organisms as a biological alternative to chemical pesticides. By using hyperspectral imaging (HSI), pest infestation can be monitored automatically, infestation hotspots can be identified early, and treatment success can be evaluated over time.

The project focuses specifically on detecting spider mite infestation in open-field cucumber cultivation. To ensure reliable forecasting models and infestation monitoring, consistent illumination conditions during data acquisition are essential. This makes atmospheric correction a central requirement when deploying hyperspectral imaging in the field.

By combining biological expertise with advanced sensing technologies, the project aims to reduce chemical pesticide use by at least 50%. The precision deployment of beneficial organisms such as predatory mites provides an ecological, highly specific, and sustainable plant protection strategy aligned with the German National Bioeconomy Strategy.