Technology development for the early detection of plant pests: a framework for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in environmental science

Abstract

Innovation in environmental fields such as plant health is complex because of unbounded challenges and lack of certainty of commercial uptake. In this paper we present a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, specifically to assist with assessment of technologies to support detection of tree pests and pathogens, but also for wider potential adaptation. Biosecurity can be enhanced by improved early detection of pests and pathogens, but development and deployment of new technologies requires robust scrutiny. We critically analyse the concept, practice and applicability of TRLs. Interviews revealed scientist perspectives during the development process of five novel early plant pest and pathogen detection technologies. A retrospective, collective narrative of one technology from concept to commercial deployment was undertaken. We then developed a calculator tool for assessment of biosecurity TRLs. Our findings illustrate the iterative process of technology development, the challenges in final TRLs of acquiring funding to move from proven success to viable product, inefficiencies created through the need for multiple projects for each technology and the imperative to consider the wider socio-ecological technical landscape, including policy context. End user engagement was particularly valuable at beginning and end of the TRL scale. We conclude that the TRL framework comprises a robust approach to assess technologies in that it facilitates progress tracking, evaluation of success likelihood and identification of opportunities for investment. However, its potential will only be realised for environmental management if it is integrated into the socio-ecological technical landscape and wider discussions regarding knowledge co-production and valuing nature.

Scientific and technological advances in the development of sustainable disease management tools: a case study on kiwifruit bacterial canker

“…Nearly fifteen years after the 2008 Psa outbreak, some of the disease management tools have evolved to the point of their commercial application, whereas other are still at more precocious stages of technological maturity. One of the most commonly used methods for assessing the level of maturity, between technologies that have little in common, consists in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) model, which is presented in a nine-point system encompassing fundamental research (TRL1-TRL3), development and demonstration (TRL4-TRL6) and deployment of a given technology to a real environment (TRL7-TRL9) ( White et al., 2022 ). Figure 1 depicts our view on the current technological maturity of each tool discussed above.…”

Applicability of Smart Tools in Vegetable Disease Diagnostics

“…Practical applications based on research have been developed, proofs-of-concept have been verified, and several tools have reached the highest level of technological readiness, TRL 9 [209], which means that these tools are available on the market. Descriptions and assessments of these methods are available at https://platform.smartprotect-h2020.eu/en (accessed on 2 January 2023), a database developed by the SmartProtect consortium.…”

A Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm for Pest Detection Using GoogleNet

“…As a result, it may be challenging to see pests in their early stages. Without prompt and proper treatment, a pest infestation on one plant will spread to others in the area [7][8][9][10][11]. In a typical crop, a single rat may harm anywhere from 11 to 176 plants in a single night [12].…”