Advances and Challenges in Computer Vision for Image-Based Plant Disease Detection: A Comprehensive Survey of Machine and Deep Learning Approaches

As advancements in agricultural technology unfold, machine learning and deep learning approaches are gaining interest in robust plant disease identification. Early disease detection, integral to agricultural productivity, has propelled innovations across all phases of detection. This survey paper provides a meticulous examination of plant disease detection systems, elucidating data collection methodologies and underscoring the pivotal role of datasets in model training. The narrative navigates through the complex areas of data and image processing techniques, segueing into an exploration of various segmentation methods. The survey emphasizes the importance of feature extraction and selection techniques, illustrating their efficacy in increasing classification accuracy. It examines the classification process, embracing both traditional machine learning and avant-garde deep learning methods, with a particular spotlight on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The study examines over one hundred seminal papers, anatomizing their dataset utilizations, feature considerations, and classification strategies. Overall, the paper contemplates the challenges permeating this vibrant field, addressing critical issues such as dataset diversity, model generalization, and real-world applicability. Note to Practitioners —To ensure crop health and yield, timely and precise plant disease detection is crucial. Our research, titled "Advances And Challenges in Plant Disease Detection: A Comprehensive Survey of Machine and Deep Learning Approaches", examines the critical role of datasets, advanced image processing, and segmentation techniques in disease detection. This paper presents practitioners with a guide to the latest techniques for enhanced disease detection by emphasizing the significance of feature extraction and highlighting the capabilities of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). By understanding the highlighted challenges, such as dataset diversity and model generalization, industry professionals can better equip themselves to integrate these technological advancements into real-world agricultural applications.