Pattern Recognition in Apple Orchards During Dormancy and Bud Development

Bhavya Sehgal, Ritik Gandhi, Irene Cheng

Abstract: Effective management of apple orchards during dormancy and bud development stages is crucial for optimizing fruit production and tree health. Automation using computer vision and deep learning techniques offers a promising solution for tree segmentation and labeling in complex outdoor environments. However, existing methods face challenges in accurately segmenting trees with bare branches and adapting to changing perspectives. This paper presents innovative solutions for bare tree segmentation and labeling, combining depth sensing and advanced image processing with deep learning approaches. The proposed methods address the limitations of current techniques, offering improved accuracy and robustness. We also introduce a novel tree labeling algorithm that utilizes spatial information and YOLOv4 for accurate tree identification and labeling across video frames. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in handling complex outdoor conditions and bare tree segmentation. Our research contributes to advancing automated orchard management and precise monitoring during dormancy and bud development stages, enhancing fruit quality and overall orchard productivity.