SoftwareX (Dec 2023)
ProtectLeaf: An insect predation analyzer for agricultural crop monitoring
Abstract
Agricultural production positively impacts the global economy and is crucial in delivering supplies and maintaining life. However, predatory insects are estimated to have a significant productivity impact on agricultural fields. As the excessive incidence of insects can reduce the functionality of the leaf surface, limitations can be noticed in the capability of the plants to maintain energy, which reduces the growth of grains and fruits. Therefore, leaf analysis is an essential tool in monitoring plantations, helping producers make decisions to control agricultural pests. Thus, we present ProtectLeaf, a software designed to support crop monitoring activities and decision-making in agricultural environments through defoliation estimate, detection of insect predation on plant leaves, and leaf reconstruction.