Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #79139

Title: REMOTE SENSING TO DETECT TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS AND OTHER PROBLEMS IN PEANUTS

Author
item Everitt, James
item CRUMLEY, CLYDE - TX.AG.EXT.SVS,SEMINOLE,TX
item Escobar, David
item Alaniz, Mario
item Davis, Michael

Submitted to: Workshop Color Aerial Photography & Videography in Plant Science Proceeding
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Peanuts are an important cash crop in the southeastern United States, being exceeded only by cotton and tobacco. Spotted wilt disease, caused by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), has become a serious threat to peanut production in the southeastern United States. Remote sensing techniques have shown potential for detecting plant diseases. A study was conducted to assess remote sensing techniques for detecting peanuts infected with TSWV. Groun reflectance measurements showed that plants infected with TSWV had higher visible and near-infrared reflectance than healthy plants. Consequently, peanut plants infected with TSWV could be distinguished in aerial color infrared (CIR) video imagery. Computer analyses of imagery showed that TSWV-infected peanut plants could be quantified, thus allowing for acreage estimates. These findings should be of interest to consultants and producers.

Technical Abstract: This paper evaluates the potential of using remote sensing technology for detecting tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) infection in peanuts and for assessing other within-field problems. Ground reflectance measurements showed that peanut plants infected with TSWV had significantly different visible and near-infrared reflectance than healthy plants. Peanut plants infected with TSWV could be detected in aerial color-infrared (CIR) digita video imagery. Computer-based image analyses of the video imagery classified and quantified healthy, TSWV infected, and dead peanut plants. Aerial CIR photographs could be used to detect salinity problems in peanuts and for monitoring plant conditions. These results showed that remote sensing techniques can be useful for peanut management.