NoviAgri: Artificial intelligence and technology for vineyard health
At the G. Penna State Higher Education Institute in Asti, the Barbera d'Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium field-tested the prototype sprayer, born from the scientific project New Application Of Vegetation Indexes In Agriculture, also known as NoviAgri.
This pioneering project aims to improve and optimize the control of vineyard diseases such as Flavescence Dorée and Esca through the use of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, including a mobile application and a Decision Support System (DSS).
Launched with the aim of reducing the environmental impact and management costs in the vineyard, thanks to a lower dispersion of phytosanitary treatments, NoviAgri has already demonstrated promising results.
"We are extremely proud of the progress made with the NoviAgri project," said Vitaliano Maccario, President of the Consortium. "The integration of artificial intelligence in viticulture is not only the future, but is already a reality in our region, demonstrating that technological innovation can go hand in hand with tradition and the craftsmanship of our winemakers."
The field trial is the final step in a long and fruitful industrial research project that the Consortium has been pursuing over the years and which is now reaching the final stage of industrialization. Many agricultural machinery manufacturers have already expressed great interest in building a new sprayer or a kit to install on existing sprayers.
The collaboration between the University of Turin, Tecnovict-Spezia Srl, CSP Innovazione nelle ICT, and the Consortium itself has allowed for a multidisciplinary approach, essential for addressing the challenges of modern viticulture.
President Maccario concluded: “The Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium will enthusiastically continue its journey of innovation and sustainability, confirming its commitment not only to the exceptional quality of its products, but also to protecting the environment and consumer health.”
The importance of this study was also recognized on April 5th by the OIV, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, a scientific and technical reference point for the global winemaking world, which defined the project as a significant improvement and innovation for environmental protection and consumer health.
