From Australia AI revolution in fruit fly detection

25 Jun 2024
1240

According to researcher Maryam Yazdani, the new technology based on artificial intelligence could facilitate access to exporting countries.  

Australian researchers have tested a new way to detect fruit flies in cherries and other fruits using an optical scan programmed by artificial intelligence. The project by the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), led by entomologist Maryam Yazdani, aims to make detection more efficient and effective. 

"Many horticultural companies use optical scanning as a key component of the quality sorting process," Yazdani told Fruitnet. "What we tried to do [with our research] was to develop a specific imaging system for pest detection that could be integrated into the existing optical sorting systems at packing centers." 

Yazdani said she hopes this system can open up market access to countries currently closed to Australian exporters due to the potential fruit fly risk. Currently, Australia uses final treatments such as fumigation and manual inspections to manage fruit fly infestation risks for fruit exported internationally and for internal transport between states.  

"Australia already has very strong security measures," Yazdani said. "But this emerging technology can provide additional tools to border security regulators to minimize the risk of pest transport." Indeed, Yazdani sees the potential of optical scanning as an alternative to fumigation.  

"Fumigation is quite costly and has already been banned in many countries," she said. "We may not have access to some countries in the coming years, so we really need an alternative to fumigation."

The optical scanning technology captures high-resolution images of the fruit as part of the sorting process. From the images, the artificial intelligence program can detect infestations, including recently laid eggs inside the fruit, which can be removed through existing selection technologies within the warehouse. 

The program works by referencing previous images of infestations and matching the defect signs in new fruits. According to Yazdani, the team generated more than 40,000 images over three years to "train" the AI program.

"When we have high-quality data, the artificial intelligence model we are developing is more accurate," Yazdani said. "So far, the detection model we have developed for fruit fly damage in cherries has achieved about 95% accuracy." 

Read the full article: Fruitnet
Image: Koppert


Cherry Times - All rights reserved  

What to read next

Have the Chilean cherries reached their maximum limit?

Production

19 Mar 2025

Chilean consultant Walter Masman emphasises the importance of innovating in the cherry sector by focusing on technology and quality. Plastic covers and early varieties help to remain competitive by overcoming the oversupply in China with high calibre fruit.

Physiological aspects and strategies for preventing rain cracking in cherries

Tech management

23 Dec 2024

The particular characteristics of this fruit make it one of the most susceptible fruits to cracking due to rainfall. In the following paragraphs, researchers from the Universidad de Talca address the causes of this issue and some prevention strategies.

In evidenza

Sweet cherry genome ‘Tieton’: genetic breakthrough from China’s Shandong region

Breeding

24 Oct 2025

A new telomere-to-telomere reference genome for the sweet cherry ‘Tieton’, developed in China’s Shandong region, marks a major advance in plant genomics and opens new paths for precision breeding, genetic analysis, and varietal innovation in fruit crops.

Australia launches export plan: premium cherries target global markets

Markets

24 Oct 2025

Australia launches a new strategy to triple cherry exports by 2030, focusing on quality, premium markets, grower training and market access. Led by Hort Innovation, the plan aims to position Australian cherries as a top-tier product in international markets.

Tag Popolari