# Smart Viniculture: Applying Artificial Intelligence for Improved Winemaking and Risk Management
## 3 Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Viticulture
### Pest Management Using Drone Technology  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with AI-powered imaging systems has brought about a revolutionary change in the field of pest management in vineyards. These drones can capture high-resolution images of the vineyard, which are then analyzed using computer vision algorithms to detect signs of pest infestations. AI algorithms identify patterns and anomalies in the foliage that indicate the presence of pests like grapevine moths or phylloxera [45]. The use of drones offers several advantages over traditional pest management methods. Firstly, drones can cover large areas quickly, providing comprehensive surveillance of the vineyard in a fraction of the time required for manual inspections. This rapid coverage allows for the timely detection of pest issues, crucial for preventing widespread infestations. Additionally, drones can access areas that are difficult to reach on foot, such as steep slopes or densely planted sections of the vineyard, ensuring complete monitoring of the vineyard [46]. In contrast, manual inspections are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, especially in hard-to-reach areas. AI-powered imaging systems on drones analyze the captured high-resolution images to detect visual signs of pest damage, such as discoloration, holes in leaves, or unusual growth patterns. By training on extensive datasets of labeled images, AI models can learn to recognize subtle differences between healthy and infested plants, improving the accuracy of pest detection [47]. For example, AI models can identify grapevine moth larvae by detecting specific patterns of leaf damage, allowing precise identification and localization of pest infestations. This level of detail enables targeted interventions that minimize pesticide use and reduce the environmental impact of pest control measures [48]. Moreover, drones equipped with multispectral or hyperspectral sensors can capture information that is invisible to the human eye, such as plant stress or early-stage infections, which further enhances the precision of detection compared to manual methods. Once pests are detected, drones can also be used to implement pest control measures directly to the affected areas. For instance, they can release biological control agents, such as beneficial insects, to target specific pest populations. This method, known as integrated pest management (IPM), reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes a more sustainable approach to vineyard management [49]. Additionally, drones equipped with precision sprayers can apply pesticides only where needed, reducing the overall amount of chemicals used and preventing unnecessary exposure to non-target plants and animals. This targeted application protects the environment and reduces costs for vineyard managers by optimizing the utilization of pest control resources [46]. Several vineyards have successfully implemented drone technology for pest management. A study by [PERSON] et al. explored the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery combined with AI to detect Flavescence doree (FD) and Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTD) in vineyards. The research was conducted in southern France, covering seven vineyards with five different red grape cultivars. UAVs equipped with MicaSense RedEdge(r) sensors captured multispectral images, which were processed to create high-resolution reflectance mosaics. The study tested 24 variables, including spectral bands, vegetation indices, and biophysical parameters, to distinguish symptomatic vines from healthy ones. This integration of UAVs, AI, and real-time data demonstrated a promising approach for accurate and efficient disease detection, facilitating targeted interventions and reducing the need for extensive manual monitoring [50; 51]. For instance, a vineyard in Spain reported a 40% reduction in pesticide use after the integration of drones into their pest management strategy, while maintaining or even improving crop health and yield [52]. [PERSON] et al. and [PERSON] et al.