From Spectroscopy to Nanophotonics: Cutting-Edge Optical Methods in Plant Disease Detection

Agriculture is essential for sustaining life, providing nutrition and contributing trillions of dollars to the global economy. However, increasing global populations and limited natural resources are placing unprecedented pressure on food production systems. These challenges are further exacerbated by plant diseases, environmental pollution and extreme weather events, all of which can significantly reduce crop yields and undermine socioeconomic stability. To ensure food security, there is an urgent need to develop early-stage plant disease detection systems, optimise resource efficiency and minimise dependence on chemical inputs. Traditional crop inspection methods, which rely heavily on visual assessment and farmer expertise, face significant limitations in accuracy and scalability. In contrast, advanced optical-based techniques—such as Raman spectroscopy and nanopore sequencing—offer promising alternatives by enabling non-invasive, highly sensitive and real-time disease detection. This review explores diagnostic approaches leveraging nanotechnology, as well as emerging advancements in information and communication technology for agriculture. By integrating these cutting-edge solutions we can revolutionise the global fight against plant pathogens and secure sustainable food production for the future.

Duke Scholars

Author Domna Kotsifaki DKU Faculty