Applying AI to Address a Major Phytoplasma Vine Grape Disease Threat
Protecting Hungary’s Vine Heritage: AlphaVet and Proofminder Applying AI to Address a Major Phytoplasma Vine Grape Disease Threat.
AlphaVet, a key player in veterinary and agricultural innovation, invited Proofminder, a leading provider of AI-powered agricultural monitoring, to collaborate on a large-scale vine-monitoring project aimed at detecting symptoms of a major phytoplasma vine grape disease across Hungarian vineyards.
Hungary’s vineyards, central to the country’s cultural and agricultural heritage, have in recent years faced the spread of Flavescence dorée (FD), one of the most destructive phytoplasma vine grape diseases in Europe. FD poses a serious threat to vineyards: infection may kill young vines outright and greatly reduce the productivity and longevity of older vines. Because there is currently no direct treatment, the only effective protection relies on early detection, targeted removal of infected vines, and strict vector control. Timely identification is critical – once the disease becomes established, it can severely compromise vineyard productivity and threaten long-term vine health.
How It Works
The process begins with low-altitude drone flights, conducted at approximately 7 meters above the vineyard rows, capturing ultra-high-resolution images of the vines. During the autumn campaign, Proofminder collected 7200 hectares of imagery, total thanks to its extensive network of drone service providers, who responded quickly and supported the nationwide effort. All the data were uploaded to the platform for annotation and AI model development.
The AI model created by Proofminder is capable of analysing vines at leaf-level resolution to identify potential disease symptoms. Each detected point is automatically geolocated, visualised on a digital map, and compiled into a detailed report for inspector teams. With these health maps, experts can act faster and more effectively, review large areas in less time, and collect targeted samples for laboratory testing. If the lab testing confirms the disease – the plant must be removed from the vineyard to prevent the infection from spreading.
Capturing ultra-high-resolution images of vineyards
Collaboration and challenges
Proofminder, as the technology partner, was responsible for data collection, image processing, and map generation. Current results indicate that the model can reliably flag vines showing potential symptoms, supporting early intervention and targeted field inspections. At the same time, there is room for optimising flight parameters to further increase efficiency and performance.
“We need to gather high-quality pictures with reasonable effort. Currently we use 0.2–0.3 GSD resolution, an angled camera, and very low-altitude flights. We will continue experimenting next season to optimise flight time while producing images detailed enough to recognise the disease,” said Levente Simon, Co-founder and CPO of Proofminder.
Leaf-level detection of Flavescence dorée (FD) by Proofminder AI
Next Steps
With data analysis and model enhancements now underway, the project will soon share its first insights on infection patterns and detection accuracy. The results will help refine both the AI models and operational protocols for future monitoring campaigns.
Building on this success, AlphaVet and Proofminder are preparing to extend the solution to monitor all 50,000 hectares of vineyards in Hungary, as well as neighbouring wine-producing countries, offering a scalable and proven method for early vine disease detection powered by AI and advanced imaging.
About Proofminder
Proofminder is an AI-powered agritech platform that transforms drone and camera imagery into leaf-level insights and prescription maps, enabling growers to reduce input use, cut labour costs, and meet production goals sustainably. Its technology supports leading food and seed production companies worldwide by helping them monitor plant health, detect weeds and plant diseases, plan field operations based on data, and minimise environmental impact.
About AlphaVet
AlphaVet is a Hungarian company committed to advancing animal health and agricultural innovation. Through its network, expertise, and partnerships, AlphaVet supports sustainable farming and modernisation of agricultural practices across Hungary.
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