# Apple scab detection in orchards using deep learning on colour and multispectral images

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.08818 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.08818/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 4 of its 23 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 17 Feb 2023.

## Builds on (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Microsoft COCO: Common Objects in Context](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1405.0312/) (2014)
- [Using Deep Learning for Image-Based Plant Disease Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1604.03169/) (2016)
- [Deep learning in agriculture: A survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1807.11809/) (2018)
- [An open access repository of images on plant health to enable the development of mobile disease diagnostics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1511.08060/) (2015)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Surveying You Only Look Once (YOLO) Multispectral Object Detection Advancements, Applications And Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.12977/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Apple scab is a fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis. Disease is of particular concern for growers, as it causes significant damage to fruit and leaves, leading to loss of fruit and yield. This article examines the ability of deep learning and hyperspectral imaging to accurately identify an apple symptom infection in apple trees. In total, 168 image scenes were collected using conventional RGB and Visible to Near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectral imaging (8 channels) in infected orchards. Spectral data were preprocessed with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained in segmentation to detect scab pixels based on spectral information. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was used to find the most discriminating channels in spectral data based on the healthy leaf and scab infested leaf spectra. Five combinations of false-colour images were created from the spectral data and the segmentation net results. The images were trained and evaluated with a modified version of the YOLOv5 network. Despite the promising results of deep learning using RGB images (P=0.8, mAP@50=0.73), the detection of apple scab in apple trees using multispectral imaging proved to be a difficult task. The high-light environment of the open field made it difficult to collect a balanced spectrum from the multispectral camera, since the infrared channel and the visible channels needed to be constantly balanced so that they did not overexpose in the images.