The project is an Industrial Research and Experimental Development initiative under the Italian PNR 2015-2020 framework, focusing on sustainable agriculture and digital technologies. It integrates advanced IT solutions, geomatics, predictive, diagnostic, metabolomics, and sensing technologies to enhance plant health surveillance and crop protection. The project promotes environmentally friendly and safe agricultural production.
The overall objective of the project is the development of an innovative IoT system for plant and animal health surveillance and management, which integrates advanced information technology, geomorphological, forecasting, diagnostic and metabolomic technologies, while respecting the environment, safety and health of fruit and vegetable production. The integrated platform AGREED is multi-disciplinary, multi-source and multi-actor. It does not only provide a DSS for plant protection services and manufacturers, but it also incorporates tools and technical means for activating precise plant protection interventions.
The specific objectives are:
Detection/prevention of outbreaks of infection;
Real-time availability of reliable information on the presence and spread of infection (spatial and temporal);
Implementation of possible containment/control measures, including through precise and eco-friendly phytosanitary interventions.
The system will include the integrated development of the following products/processes/services/systems/technologies/applications within the individual WBSs:
Deep contextualization of the "problem to be solved" in terms of phytosanitary management protocols, more advanced technologies available, and high-level architecture of the AGREED system.
Multi-source detection and multiple source detection system design on target pathogens: WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks) for microclimate and eco-physiological systems (TreeTalker); selection of wavelengths based on molecular and metabolomic analysis; diagnostic prototype sensor for selective detection of phytopathologies; real-time PCR device for field diagnostics.
Design of smart diagnostic systems and plant protection: AppFito (from Multitrace PON MISE) with new pathogen modules; automatic recognition tool for photographic disease symptoms; drone-based dispersion system using electrolyzed water; IoT irrigation-based microbial treatment plant (Micro 28); phytosanitary protocols for drones and Micro 28.
Development of remote sensing algorithms and epidemiological models: Sentinel-1/Sentinel-2 classification, drone image analysis, phenological and predictive models, high-resolution time monitoring of plant stress, and models of pesticide impact on water-soil-plant systems.
IoT platform for real-time data analysis: monitoring and remote control platforms, data collection customization, and management dashboards.
Data lakes and big data analytics: open-source, interoperable platform and validated analytics system.
Advanced AGREED analytics platform: geospatial data warehousing, prediction tools, diagnostic planning, blockchain systems for phytosanitary chain management and data visualization dashboards.
Prototype experimentation and result dissemination: business plan, public events, communication materials, and website.
The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, requiring new technical and professional skills for the platform’s operation. Improved crop management through integrated monitoring and forecasting will increase food quality, safety, and sustainability, revitalizing agricultural areas in Southern Italy. The initiative promotes ICT and Industry 4.0 solutions with strong strategic interest, aiming to attract investments and enhance digital skills in agriculture. Drone monitoring and modeling platforms will increase competitiveness in smart, climate-resilient agriculture.
Call:
Programma Operativo Nazionale Ricerca e Innovazione 2014–2020 (PON). Progetti di ricerca industriale e lo Sviluppo sperimentale nelle 12 aree di specializzazione individuate nel PNR 2015–2020, di cui al D.D. del 13 luglio 2017 n. 1735
Ruolo del Politecnico:
As a leading institution in engineering and technology research, the Politecnico di Bari (PoliBa) plays a fundamental role in AGREED, bringing its expertise in electronics, information technology, and chemistry to the project.
Responsabile scientifico del politecnico:
Prof. Vito Gallo
SSD:
CHEM-06/A (ex CHIM/07)
Sito web:
https://agreed-project.it/