Chile launches AI pilot to strengthen fruit fly control in Coquimbo

Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), together with Frutas de Chile and the Foundation for Fruit Development (FDF), has launched a pilot programme in the Coquimbo region aimed at improving the control and eradication of fruit fly outbreaks through artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring technologies.

The initiative includes the installation of smart traps equipped with cameras and AI systems capable of remotely detecting Ceratitis capitata, commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly. The technology was developed by FDF to strengthen phytosanitary surveillance and accelerate pest detection in strategic areas of the region.

One of the first devices was installed at the La Palmera agricultural terminal in La Serena. SAG said the pilot will help evaluate the technical performance of the traps while also monitoring the possible presence of other pests.

The system can distinguish between sterile and non-sterile fruit flies, allowing technicians to assess the effectiveness of sterile insect release programmes in affected zones. The traps also transmit information remotely through integrated cameras and AI-supported monitoring systems.

The project is financed by the Regional Government of Coquimbo and follows earlier trials carried out in the Biobío region in 2022. During that programme, 220 traps were deployed across 11 routes using geographic information systems and monitoring technologies developed by FDF with support from Corfo.

Authorities said the previous pilot delivered positive results and could support faster response times in future fruit fly control campaigns.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl