Grapevine Disease Prediction Using Climate Variables from Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing Imagery via a Transformer Model

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel Transformer-based framework using multi-sensor remote sensing climate data to predict grapevine diseases, improving precision and sustainability in viticulture.

Contribution

It introduces a new application of the TabPFN Transformer model for disease prediction using environmental data, achieving performance comparable to traditional methods.

Findings

Transformer model processes complex environmental data effectively.

Per-pixel disease probability enables targeted interventions.

Framework enhances prediction accuracy and sustainability.

Abstract

Early detection and management of grapevine diseases are important in pursuing sustainable viticulture. This paper introduces a novel framework leveraging the TabPFN model to forecast blockwise grapevine diseases using climate variables from multi-sensor remote sensing imagery. By integrating advanced machine learning techniques with detailed environmental data, our approach significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of disease prediction in vineyards. The TabPFN model's experimental evaluations showcase comparable performance to traditional gradient-boosted decision trees, such as XGBoost, CatBoost, and LightGBM. The model's capability to process complex data and provide per-pixel disease-affecting probabilities enables precise, targeted interventions, contributing to more sustainable disease management practices. Our findings underscore the transformative potential of combining Transformer models with remote sensing data in precision agriculture, offering a scalable solution for improving crop health and productivity while reducing environmental impact.