Overview
The MANIFESTO project (Machine leArNIng For intElligent inSecT mOnitoring) aims to develop an innovative AI-powered early detection system for the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), a pest that transmits the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in citrus crops. The project addresses the urgent threat posed by ACP’s recent detection in Cyprus (2023) and its potential spread to other EU and Mediterranean regions. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and causal machine learning, MANIFESTO seeks to revolutionize pest management, reduce pesticide use, and safeguard Cyprus’s citrus industry (valued at €8 million annually).
Artificial Intelligence
Machine
Learning
Remote
Sensing
Asian Citrus Psyllid
Our Mission
AI-Powered Early Detection & Sustainable Management of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)
Develop an automated, AI-driven monitoring system to detect and predict outbreaks of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). A deadly citrus pest using smart traps, computer vision, and causal machine learning. The system will:
- Detect ACP in real-time on yellow sticky traps using AI (YOLOv8/Faster R-CNN).
- Predict population surges by analyzing weather, soil, and satellite data (NDVI/NDMI).
- Send early warnings to farmers and policymakers to enable precision pesticide use, aligning with the EU’s 50% pesticide reduction goal (Farm to Fork Strategy).
Key Features
Automated Detection
Reduces reliance on manual pest counting.
Real-Time
Alerts
Integrated system sends data to farmers and researchers.
EU
Compliance
Supports pesticide reduction (Farm to Fork Strategy) and plant health regulations.
Impact
The MANIFESTO project delivers multidimensional impact by combining AI innovation with sustainable agriculture. It advances scientific knowledge through peer-reviewed publications while safeguarding Cyprus’ €8 million citrus industry from the invasive Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). By aligning with EU pesticide-reduction goals, the project sets a benchmark for intelligent pest management in Mediterranean climates.
- Economic
Protects 3,000 hectares of citrus orchards and mitigates potential 45% production losses.
Reduces pesticide use by enabling targeted interventions (Farm to Fork Strategy).
- Global
First EU-compliant ACP detection system, preventing regional spread.
Supports SDG 2 (Food Security) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Our Consortium
Eratosthenes Center of Excellence
Project Coordinator
Ministry of Agriculture
Partner organization
