Across the blueberry fields and cranberry bogs of South Jersey, farmers face ongoing threats from diseases and invasive weeds that put both their crops and livelihoods at risk.
Hieu Nguyen, Ph.D., a professor of mathematics in the College of Science & Mathematics, is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart drone technology to help farmers better monitor and manage these challenges.
“Farming is a tough profession, with long hours in the field and often very narrow profit margins,” said Nguyen. “That’s why increasing crop yield through precision agriculture is so crucial.”
Nguyen is developing AI-powered drones capable of autonomous flight to capture high-resolution images of farmland.
These images are compiled into detailed mosaics, allowing farmers to detect early signs of threats like the incurable blueberry scorch virus or invasive Carolina redroot weeds, which can choke out cranberry vines.
“AI and smart drones enable early disease detection and targeted interventions like precision spraying, which can significantly improve outcomes,” Nguyen explained. “Many people don’t realize that the math behind these AI models is what makes them work.”
Even when pests and diseases aren’t present, AI tools can still make an impact. For example, image-based models that count berries help farmers predict their harvest size, allowing them to plan labor needs and negotiate pricing with distributors more accurately.
Nguyen’s work is supported by grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and is carried out in collaboration with Camden County College and the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
“AI hasn’t been widely explored in agriculture, but it has great potential here in New Jersey,” Nguyen said. “This initiative not only supports local farmers but also gives students hands-on experience with drones and data collection in real agricultural settings.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Concepts
What is precision agriculture?
Precision agriculture refers to the use of advanced technologies like GPS, sensors, drones, and AI to monitor and optimize farming practices. It helps farmers make data-driven decisions, increasing efficiency, yields, and sustainability. In 2025, it’s becoming increasingly mainstream, especially in states like New Jersey where high-value crops are grown.
What is AI in agriculture?
Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture involves using algorithms to analyze field data and automate tasks like disease detection, crop monitoring, or yield prediction. In this news story, AI is used to program drones to identify threats like viruses or invasive weeds in blueberry and cranberry farms.
What is the blueberry scorch virus?
Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) is an incurable plant disease that affects blueberry crops, causing blossoms and young shoots to die. Early detection is essential since there’s no treatment. In 2025, remote sensing via drones is being explored as a key method to detect symptoms early and reduce spread.
What are Carolina redroot weeds?
Carolina redroot is an invasive plant species that competes with cranberry vines for nutrients and space, reducing crop productivity. Managing its growth is a major concern for cranberry growers. Smart drones and AI models can now help identify redroot infestations early to support targeted control.
What is smart drone technology?
Smart drones in agriculture are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with AI and imaging systems to autonomously scan fields, collect data, and support tasks like spraying or mapping. In 2025, this technology is increasingly used in precision farming to reduce manual labor and improve productivity.
How does crop yield estimation help farmers?
Accurate yield estimation allows farmers to plan labor, manage storage, and negotiate sales contracts ahead of harvest. With AI, drones can count berries or detect crop health to forecast yields. In the 2025 farming economy, this predictive capability is vital for staying competitive in tight markets.
What is agricultural grant funding?
Agricultural grants are financial supports provided by government agencies or organizations to fund innovation, research, or sustainability efforts in farming. In this case, New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture provided funding for AI and drone-based field monitoring, highlighting growing public investment in agri-tech in 2025.
What is the role of community colleges in agri-tech?
Community colleges like Camden County College are playing a bigger role in training students in emerging agricultural technologies. In 2025, programs focused on drone piloting, data collection, and AI applications in farming are helping bridge the skills gap in rural and farming communities.
What is early disease detection in crops?
Early disease detection involves identifying plant health issues before symptoms become widespread. AI-driven imagery and modeling help detect changes in plant color or structure that humans might miss. In 2025, this proactive strategy is key to preventing losses in high-value crops like berries.
How do drones help in sustainable farming?
Drones reduce the need for excessive pesticide and herbicide use by enabling targeted spraying and monitoring. This cuts chemical runoff and supports environmental sustainability. With AI, drones in 2025 are helping farmers make agriculture more eco-friendly while maintaining profitability.
