Fumesua: Crop researchers at the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) are testing new technological devices to detect real-time disease infections on farmers' fields. The institute, through the SporeSmart project, is piloting SporeSmart device technologies and accompanying Artificial Intelligence (AI) based applications to ensure effectiveness in detecting diseases on crop fields.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project's objective is to integrate AI-driven forecasting and sustainable biocontrol to deliver a scalable, climate-smart approach to Fusarium spp. management. This approach aims to support healthier harvests, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost farmer incomes. The initiative is funded by UK Innovate and other research partners from the UK and Brazil.
Dr Kwesi Atta Aidoo Snr, a Research Scientist at CSIR-CRI and Country Lead for the Project, explained during a stakeholders' demonstration meeting that the SporeSmart collector captures fungal spores from the environment. When analyzed in a laboratory, it can detect potential diseases that may affect crops. Fusarium disease, a significant constraint for staple crops like maize, rice, and tomato, has serious implications for yields, food safety, farmers' incomes, and public health.
Dr Aidoo Snr emphasized the importance of using advanced technologies such as the SporeSmart device to revolutionize plant disease management through real-time field surveillance and data-driven insights. Early detection at the field level not only reduces crop losses but also minimizes indiscriminate pesticide use, lowers production costs, and supports environmentally responsible farming practices.
The project has deployed five SmartSpore collectors between September 2025 and February 2026, capturing over 2,000 spore images, including Fusarium spp and other plant pathogens. The research team is currently experimenting with the technology, with plans to pilot it on farmers' fields. For commercial farmers, the technology can be purchased and installed after piloting and validation. The government could also invest in the technology, allowing agricultural extension officers to manage the devices and provide services to smallholder farmers.
Dr Mrs Patricia Acheampong, the CSIR-CRI Deputy Director, stated that the project aligns with the Institute's goal of protecting ecosystems, ensuring food safety, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture through environmentally friendly and biologically based solutions.
Mr Luke Murell, the Project Lead at MMVSense UK, highlighted the roadmap to scaling up the project. He believes that with proper financing and training of extension officers on the technologies, early detection of diseases would be significantly enhanced.