On October 19, the University of Cape Verde (Uni-CV), represented by RS2Lab (Responsible and Smart Solutions Lab), held an awareness-raising workshop in the town of Achada Bél-Bél, in Santa Cruz, aimed at combating the corn earworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). This pest, known for its complex life cycle, has caused major damage to the country’s agricultural crops.
Professor Maria de Lourdes led the session, explaining to farmers the damage that the cartridge caterpillar can cause. During the event, there was an important moment of dialogue, where farmers shared their experiences and showed their satisfaction with the initiative, addressing the challenges they face in managing the pest and also reporting growing concern about the presence of monkeys on the plantations.
In response to these questions, RS2Lab is carrying out a literature review to propose appropriate technological solutions to combat this problem. In addition, the lab is training farmers to use a citizen science platform, through which they will be able to collaborate with images of the cartridge caterpillar and Nezara (turtle), helping to improve the artificial intelligence algorithm under development.
With this application, farmers will have access to a practical tool: by photographing an insect with their cell phone, they will be able to quickly identify whether it is the cartridge caterpillar and receive guidance on how to proceed.
