A perspective analysis of imaging-based monitoring systems in precision viticulture: Technologies, intelligent data analyses and research challenges

This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in intelligent monitoring systems within the precision viticulture sector. These systems have the potential to make agricultural production more efficient and ensure the adoption of sustainable practices to increase food production and meet growing global demand while maintaining high-quality standards. The review examines core components of non-destructive imaging-based monitoring systems in vineyards, focusing on sensors, tasks, and data processing methodologies. Particular emphasis is placed on solutions designed for practical, in-field deployment. The analysis revealed that the most commonly used sensors are RGB cameras and that the most widespread analysis focuses on grape bunches, as they provide information on both the quality and quantity of the harvest. Regarding the image processing methods, it emerged that those based on deep learning are the most adopted. In addition, a detailed analysis highlights the main technical and practical limitations in real-world scenarios, such as the management of computational resources, the need for large datasets, and the difficulties in interpreting the results. The paper concludes with an in-depth discussion of the challenges and open research questions, providing insights into potential future directions for intelligent monitoring systems in precision viticulture. These include the continued exploration of sensors to balance ease of use and accuracy, the development of generalizable methods, experimentation in real-world scenarios, and collaboration between experts for practical solutions.