Hyperspectral imaging: A potential tool for monitoring crop infestation, crop yield and macronutrient analysis, with special emphasis to Oilseed Brassica

Abstract

Due to increase in human population at an alarming rate, there is tremendous pressure on the agriculture
sector for increasing production of agricultural commodities. Oilseed Brassica is an important oilseed crops in
India. Although, India occupies third position with about 10.3 % share in the acreage, and production of
rapeseed-mustard in the world after China, and Canada, with the average yield of 1188 kg per hectare, which
is low as compared to world average 1994 kg/ha. The major reasons for low exploitable yield are infestation
by various pathogens, and pests, improper weed management, degradation of soils due to excessive use of
pesticides, fertilizers, and emerging pesticide resistance. Hyperspectral imaging system (HIS), also known as
imaging spectroscopy or 3D spectroscopy, combines imaging, and spectroscopy into a single system. Through
its multi-spectral, multi-temporal, and multi-resolution observation capability, the technology provides an
alternative to traditional methods for facilitating sustainable agriculture by mapping, and monitoring the
agricultural situation, retrieval of biophysical parameter, and management/ decision support for agricultural
development. For oilseed rape, the technology has been found to be useful for disease forecasting, monitoring
infestation induced damages, predicting seed yield, detection of fungal pathogens, weeds and macronutrient
analysis for monitoring fertilizer application.