Why in news?
Kerala’s Chief Minister launched an innovative mobile application called NeophyteID at the 36th Kerala Science Congress. The app helps users identify invasive plant species using artificial intelligence and offers guidance on managing them.
Background
Invasive alien species threaten native biodiversity by outcompeting local plants, altering habitats and spreading rapidly. Kerala has faced invasions by species like Mikania micrantha (mile‑a‑minute weed) and Lantana camara, which smother forests and croplands. Accurate identification is the first step in controlling them.
How the app works
- AI‑powered recognition: Users take a photograph of a plant with their smartphone camera. The app uses a trained convolutional neural network based on the YOLOv11 object‑detection algorithm to recognise the species.
- Offline functionality: The model is embedded within the app, allowing identification even in remote areas without internet access.
- Multilingual support: Explanations and plant descriptions are available in English and Malayalam.
- Location tagging: When internet is available, the app geotags the observation, helping scientists map the spread of invasive species.
Impact
- Awareness: Farmers, students and forest officials can learn about harmful plants and take action before invasions become severe.
- Citizen science: By contributing geotagged sightings, users assist researchers in tracking invasions.
- Biodiversity protection: Early identification and removal help native flora recover.
Source: Times of India