At the 83rd ICAC Plenary Meeting held in Bremen, Germany, one of the key highlights was the Technical Seminar on the second day of the event. This session focused on the theme, “Deep Learning and Sensor Technologies for Automated Detection and Monitoring of Cotton Diseases and Insect Pests.”
Pests such as jassids, bollworms, and mites remain a persistent challenge in cotton cultivation worldwide, making effective management essential for farmers. Addressing this issue, two leading cotton experts — Dr Charudatta Mayee, the 2025 ICAC Researcher of the Year, and Dr Keshav Kranthi, ICAC’s Chief Scientist — shared insights during the Third Open Session held on March 24.
During the session, the speakers explored a wide range of topics, including current pest control practices, both chemical and non-chemical, as well as traditional systems for detection, diagnosis, and early warning. They also highlighted emerging technologies such as AI-driven sensors, robotics, radar monitoring, and innovative research initiatives aimed at improving pest and disease management. Techniques like mating disruption were also discussed as part of integrated strategies.
While the audience showed strong interest in these advanced tools, a key message emphasized by Dr Kranthi was the continued importance of integrated pest management (IPM). He noted that although technologies like sensors, smartphones, and drones are valuable in enhancing monitoring and decision-making, they cannot fully replace the practical knowledge and experience of farmers.
The 83rd ICAC Plenary Meeting, held from March 23–24, 2026, in Bremen, Germany, took place ahead of the International Cotton Conference Bremen. Centered on the theme “Uniting the Cotton and Textiles Value Chain for a Sustainable Future,” the event reinforced ICAC’s role in supporting the cotton sector across the entire value chain—from production to end-of-lifet