Basic Research on Application of Remote Sensing in Monitoring and Forecasting Crop Pests and Diseases

Traditionally, the survey on crop pests and diseases is field-based, which means the overall results are made from several observation points. However, the agricultural production nowadays calls for large-area and fast monitoring of crop pests and diseases, and the traditional method obviously fails to meet the need. Therefore, we have conducted research on remote sensing monitoring and forecasting of crop pests and diseases, identified the spectral bands and features of different crop pests and diseases, and established hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing monitoring models for major pests and diseases of wheat, rice, maize, and cotton at the leaf and canopy scales; we have developed remote sensing monitoring and forecasting models that have taken crops’ growth phases and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity into full consideration; and we have proposed the early warning method before the disaster, monitoring method during the disaster, and cost evaluation method after the disaster in a systematic manner. Moreover, we have taken the lead in establishing a nationwide crop pests and diseases remote sensing monitoring and forecasting system, through which thematic maps and reports on crop pests and diseases across China and in some key regions have been released on a regular basis.

(1) Remote Sensing Monitoring and Early Warning Technology System for Crop Pests and Diseases 

By means of remote sensing, we have monitored the spectral response of different crop pests and diseases, and successfully identified their sensitive bands and features. As a result, the hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing monitoring models for major pests and diseases of wheat, rice, maize, and cotton have been established. We have also developed remote sensing monitoring, early warning, and forecasting models that have taken crops’ growth phases and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity into full consideration. Moreover, we have proposed the early warning method before the disaster, monitoring method during the disaster, and cost evaluation method after the disaster in a systematic manner.

(2) Remote Sensing Monitoring and Forecasting System for Crop Pests and Diseases

Building on the technologies of monitoring and forecasting, integrated remote sensing, geographic information, and network, we’ve established a WebGIS-based system for monitoring and forecasting crop pests and diseases. Equipped with a computing ability, the system can provide 24/7 service and generate products online. Moreover, thematic maps and reports on crop pests and diseases monitoring and forecasting by remote sensing have been released on a regular basis at the national, regional, and county level.

(3) Application and Demonstration of Remote Sensing in Crop Pests and Diseases Monitoring (relevant achievements have been recognized by the General Office of the State Council)

Based on the Remote Sensing Monitoring and Forecasting System for Crop Pests and Diseases, we have developed and released monitoring and forecasting reports and related products on a regular basis for major crops, such as wheat, maize, and rice. These reports are made at a national level or focus on the situation in the major crop-growing areas. Relevant achievements have been recognized and adopted by a wide range of agencies and platforms, including the General Office of the State Council, Information on Plant Pests and Diseases issued by the National Agricultural Technology Extension and Service Center of the MoA, and the world’s second institute providing information on the global crop production Cropwatch.

(4) Application of Agricultural Disaster (Such as Crop Pests & Diseases and Freezing Injury) Monitoring in Crop Insurance

From October to November 2017, crop diseases including rice blast, rice dwarf, rice glume blight, and black blight broke out in five regions of Yulin, Guangxi Province, namely Yuzhou District, Beiliu County, Luchuan County, Rong County, and Xingye County, causing a sharp decline in the local crop yield. Based on the Remote Sensing Monitoring and Forecasting System for Crop Pests and Diseases, our team utilized the satellite remote sensing technology to monitor the disaster situation. The results were then provided to China Pacific Insurance Company (Guangxi branch) in support of their crop insurance claim management. From February to March 2018, as the frost and low temperature swept across Nanning and Laibing, Guangxi Province, the freezing injury occurred to bananas and sugar canes, causing a considerable, and even 100% reduction in the crop yield there. Our team utilized the fusion of 0.8m high-resolution satellite images to achieve real-time monitoring of the disaster. Based on the disaster grade, we have made an accurate damage estimation for each household, providing data support for the crop insurance industry as the pioneer in three aspects.