Benha Agriculture Students Develop AI System for Early Detection of Pepper Diseases

Students from the Department of Plant Pathology at the Faculty of Agriculture in Moshtohor have successfully developed an innovative graduation project that uses artificial intelligence to detect bacterial spot disease in pepper crops at an early stage. The system aims to reduce agricultural losses and support smart farming practices.
The project, titled “Pathological Studies on Bacterial Spot Disease of Pepper: An Artificial Intelligence-Based Expert System for Early Detection”, introduces an expert system that applies computer vision and AI techniques to analyze plant images and diagnose infections in their initial stages. By linking visual data with environmental conditions in greenhouses and open fields, the system enables rapid detection and timely intervention before the disease spreads. Beyond building a diagnostic model, the project also includes a specialized scientific study to assess infection severity — the most accurate indicator of actual plant damage — providing realistic results that guide effective disease management strategies.
The system is designed for ease of use: farmers and agricultural engineers can simply scan a QR code, upload a plant image, and within about five seconds the AI analyzes it, identifies the disease, and measures infection severity with precision. Field trials were conducted in greenhouses and open lands belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture in Moshtohor, with staff participation. The system proved highly efficient, user-friendly, and capable of supporting daily crop monitoring and diagnosis.
To maximize impact, the team prepared an informational brochure explaining the system's concept and usage, distributed during the project defense to faculty members and students. They also provided contact channels for farmers, engineers, and researchers to seek support and ask questions.
The project team includes students: Mariam Mohamed Salah, Menna Allah Mahmoud, Nada Yasser, Mostafa Emam, Mohamed Ahmed, Shorouk Shoky, and Shorouk Yousry, under the supervision of Prof. Ahmed El‑Sisi and Dr. Heba Ahmed.
This project demonstrates that Benha University's agriculture students are capable of harnessing modern technologies to address agricultural challenges, offering innovative solutions that protect crops, strengthen food security, and align with the state's vision for digital transformation and smart farming.