In the past decade, there has been a recognized need for innovative methods to monitor and manage plant diseases aiming to meet the precision demands of modern agriculture. Over the last 15 years, significant advances in detection, monitoring, and management of plant diseases have been made, largely propelled by cutting-edge technologies. Recent advances in precision agriculture have been driven by sophisticated tools such as sensors, artificial intelligence, microsensor networks, and autonomous vehicles. These technologies have enabled the development of novel cropping systems, allowing for targeted management of crops, contrasting with traditional, homogeneous treatment of large crop areas. Research in this field is usually highly collaborative, and interdisciplinary endeavor. It brings together experts from diverse fields such as plant pathology, computer science, statistics, engineering, and agronomy. Despite the progress, translating the advancements in the precision of decision-making or automation into agricultural practice remains a challenge. Enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of disease detection continues to be a priority, with data-driven artificial intelligence systems poised to play a pivotal role. This perspective addresses critical questions and challenges faced in the implementation of digital technologies for plant disease management. It underscores the urgency of integrating innovative technological advances with traditional integrated pest management (IPM). It highlights unresolved issues regarding the establishment of control thresholds for site-specific treatments and the necessary alignment of digital technology use with regulatory frameworks. Importantly, the paper calls for intensified research efforts, widespread knowledge dissemination, and education to optimize the application of digital tools for plant disease management.
