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Deep Learning & Transfer Learning: CNNs for Plant Disease Detection, Classification, and Technological Innovation

Edited by:

Michael Gomez Selvaraj, PhD, Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Colombia
Junfeng Gao, PhD, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline: 8 July 2025
 

Plant Methods is calling for submissions to our Collection on "Deep Learning & Transfer Learning: CNNs for Plant Disease Detection, Classification, and Technological Innovation". The Collection seeks to showcase cutting-edge research in deep learning and transfer learning, particularly focusing on the application of convolutional neural networks for plant disease detection, classification, and technological innovation. 

Sub-topics may include but are not limited to:
- Novel CNN architectures for plant disease detection
- Transfer learning approaches for plant disease classification
- Integration of multi-modal data for improved disease detection
- Interdisciplinary approaches combining deep learning with traditional plant science disciplines
- Automation of disease diagnosis and its impact on agricultural sustainability
- Generative AI approaches (like LLMs) for plant disease research

Image credit: © Felipe Caparrós / stock.adobe.com

New Content ItemThis Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG [9] & SDG [15]: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure and Life on Land.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Michael Gomez Selvaraj, PhD, Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Colombia

Michael Gomez Selvaraj is a visionary leader in agricultural research, with a specific focus on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to revolutionize cropping system agronomy. As the Leader of the Phenomics platform at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT within CGIAR, his goal is to envision a world where regenerative agriculture and data-driven innovation converge to create sustainable solutions. Passionate about addressing the most pressing challenges in agriculture, he envisions a future where the information revolution brought about by A.I. transforms the agricultural research landscape.

Junfeng Gao, PhD, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Junfeng Jerevon Gao is currently working as an assistant professor in the department of computer science at the University of Aberdeen, UK. His research mainly focuses on the development of computational models using computer vision and deep learning in the domain of Agri-Food, particularly in the robotic applications of selective harvesting and crop care. He received his PhD at Ghent University. Previously, he also worked at Wageningen University, University of Nottingham, SLU Sweden on robotics and computer vision. He was a visiting researcher at Cornell University in 2022, KU Leuven in 2023. 


 

About the Collection

Plant Methods is calling for submissions to our Collection on "Deep Learning & Transfer Learning: CNNs for Plant Disease Detection, Classification, and Technological Innovation". The advancement of deep learning and transfer learning techniques, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has revolutionized the field of plant disease detection and classification. These innovations have enabled the development of sophisticated image processing algorithms that can accurately identify and classify plant diseases, leading to improved crop management and agricultural sustainability. As we continue to make strides in this area, it is crucial to understand the importance of these advancements. 

Significant advances have already been made in this field, with the application of CNNs and transfer learning leading to remarkable improvements in plant disease detection and classification accuracy. These technologies have enabled the automation of disease diagnosis, reducing the reliance on manual inspection, and significantly expediting the identification of plant diseases. Furthermore, the integration of deep learning techniques with traditional plant science disciplines has facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and disease mechanisms. Looking ahead, the potential for further advances in this area is vast. Continued research and innovation in deep learning and transfer learning are expected to lead to the development of more robust and interpretable CNN models tailored specifically for plant disease detection. Additionally, the integration of multi-modal data, including spectral and temporal information, with CNN-based approaches holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of disease classification. Furthermore, the exploration of transfer learning methodologies across different plant species and diseases is anticipated to yield generalized models with broader applicability, thereby contributing to the development of scalable solutions for diverse agricultural settings.

The Collection seeks to showcase cutting-edge research in deep learning and transfer learning, particularly focusing on the application of convolutional neural networks for plant disease detection, classification, and technological innovation. We invite contributions that explore novel methodologies, innovative applications, and interdisciplinary approaches in this rapidly evolving field. Sub-topics may include but are not limited to:
- Novel CNN architectures for plant disease detection
- Transfer learning approaches for plant disease classification
- Integration of multi-modal data for improved disease detection
- Interdisciplinary approaches combining deep learning with traditional plant science disciplines
- Automation of disease diagnosis and its impact on agricultural sustainability
-Generative AI approaches (like LLMs) for plant disease research

Image credit: © Felipe Caparrós / stock.adobe.com

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of reviews and research articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. 

Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. Please, select the appropriate Collection title “Deep Learning & Transfer Learning: CNNs for Plant Disease Detection, Classification, and Technological Innovation" under the “Details” tab during the submission stage.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer-review process. The peer-review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.