South African farmers can use three digital crop scouting apps to find pests and diseases before they cause serious damage, Farmer’s Weekly reported.
The apps are AvoPDI, MangoPDDDI and Cropwise Operations. They range from free identification guides to a paid digital farm management service.
According to the publication, regular scouting helps farmers spot problems early. Digital tools can help farmers record crop conditions, map problem areas and make better choices.
AvoPDI was developed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). It is a free mobile app for small-scale, emerging and commercial avocado growers.
The app helps growers identify pests, diseases and helpful insects that can benefit crops. It is based on the ARC’s avocado identification guide.
AvoPDI gives information on pest life cycles, monitoring and disease signs. It also covers nematodes, nutrient shortages and herbicide damage. These problems can sometimes be mistaken for pest or disease damage.
The app has a map with information on different avocado cultivars. It also has a scouting section that explains why regular checks matter in integrated pest management.
Farmer’s Weekly said growers can use scouting information to decide if action is needed, instead of spraying pesticides as a routine. The app is a learning tool and does not replace professional advice.
MangoPDDDI is a second ARC app, made for mango growers. It helps them identify pests, diseases, physical damage and disorders on their crops.
The app includes control measures and a scouting module. Growers can use it during orchard checks when they see signs they do not recognise.
The publication said the app should support expert diagnosis, not replace it, when signs are unclear. Both ARC apps are free to download from Google Play for Android phones.
Cropwise Operations was developed by Syngenta. It is a wider farm management system for farmers, agronomists and agricultural businesses.
Users can create scouting tasks and inspect fields through the mobile app. Scouts can write reports with photos and notes, which sync with the online platform.
The system also offers satellite images, weather information and field zoning. It can send alerts when plant health readings drop, so users know which fields to check first.
Depending on the service, it can also give yield estimates, past crop data and maps of fertiliser and seed spread. It keeps records of farm activities too.
The app works offline once information has been synced. Field reports upload later when a signal returns, which helps on farms with weak mobile coverage.
The Cropwise Operations app is free to download from Google Play, but only registered users can use it. Farmers must contact Syngenta to set up an account and agree on costs for the wider service.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Farmer’s Weekly SA. Image: Farmer’s Weekly SA. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.