PlantVillage Nuru
A free smartphone app that uses image recognition to identify crop diseases and pests, even without an internet connection.
About
PlantVillage Nuru was developed by Penn State and partners for farmers and agricultural extension workers. The user points a smartphone camera at a plant, and the model compares the image against patterns of supported diseases and pests, including cassava diseases and fall armyworm. Because recognition runs on the device, the app works in areas with limited connectivity. A local expert remains valuable when in doubt and for treatment decisions.
AI factor
Image recognition brings specialist visual identification to a simple phone. This allows a farmer to spot a suspicious symptom earlier and seek more targeted help.
Sources
Inspiration sourced from AI For Good. Not an Arnaldus customer case.