​What is Trapview and how does it help winemakers?
The Trapview service establishes a physical network of traps for pests using temperature and relative moisture sensors. Using advanced electronics, the service collects data on the number of daily catches, the temperature and relative moisture, which is the basis for analysing the presence of the pest at the monitored location. The raw data is processed by artificial intelligence and machine learning and then applied to the task, so that the user receives the information about when, where and how extensive the pest problem is going to be. They receive the information through daily generated automatic reports, which are available on an online platform, a mobile app, or tailored reports sent by email. The platform can also provide the weather forecast for an individual area.

Trapview is an innovative tool that provides up-to-dated and accurate forecasts on the development of harmful insects. Trapview makes it possible to optimise the measures for monitoring and protecting the vines and other plants using the data collected from automatic pest traps. Applying artificial intelligence, the data is processed to provide information on the pest population with a significantly higher accuracy than has ever been possible. This way users receive accurate and timely information on the dynamics of pest population development and their developmental phases. Using this information users are able to take better and more informed decisions regarding the plans for protecting the vines and the harvest, and to achieve the optimum effectiveness of phytopharmaceuticals. These activities allow them to achieve a higher and more consistent quality of produce and to increase their earnings, while also becoming more sustainable. The Trapview platform provides end-to-end tracking of captured and processed data, and is user-friendly also when they need to prepare reports, if they are participating in a subsidy scheme.

Over the past two seasons 24 Trapview traps were set up
Between March 2021, when the pilot programme was launched and its conclusion in September 2022, a network of Trapview traps was set up for monitoring and forecasting developmental phases of economically significant pests that attack the vines. During the first phase of the project, 6 automatic traps were set up at select location, and in 2022 this network was upgraded with additional 12 traps for the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana). Additionally, the pilot project was further extended with remote monitoring for the European grape berry moth (Eupoecilia ambiguella), with 6 more traps connected. The total number of traps for the Trapview service in 2022 for all the participating wine-makers was 24.

Data points to the importance of regular pest monitoring at micro locations
A comparative analysis of the captured pests in 2021 and 2022 seasons reveals the importance of pest monitoring at a micro location. The data on captured pests at an individual location shows that some vineyards have exceptional rates the grape moths and require extensive protection. At the same time, the data also shows that there are areas where this pest is not present at all, or its rates are negligent. Monitoring the data over two seasons at the same location also shows that the rates can change. Data analysis of the 2022 season also shows that the dynamics in the number of captured pests at an individual location can change within the generation.

Data analysis for both seasons shows that the quality of the data that a winemaker needs in order to manage their vineyards properly and with optimum costs is related to the density of devices on the monitored area. Optimum treatment with phytopharmaceuticals results in a higher quality of produce and lower costs in the season. Optimum use of phytopharmaceuticals also leads to sustainable farming and lower negative impacts on the environment.

Matej Štefančič, EFOS CEO: “Over the past years we have noticed major changes in farming – both related to climate change and to the consumers’ desire to enjoy healthy and sustainably grown food. This means that we need to adapt and upgrade our methods for establishing actual conditions and preventing potential dangers that pests present for the crops. The Trapview network in Goriška Brda is an important step in this direction, as it provides a daily insight into the condition of the population of grape moths across the whole area, while also providing farming consultants with important information that can help winemakers apply optimum care for grape protection.”

The goal to increase the density of traps next season
Because the pilot project of smart viticulture with remote pest control in Goriška Brda has shown positive results, the goal is to increase the density of traps across the whole region of Goriška Brda. This would make it possible for every winemaker to get a digital insight into their own vineyard. Based on exact data and with the support of the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (CAFS) it would be easier for them to make the best decisions for their vineyards. Because the Trapview service can also monitor for pests on other plants, another goal of the service is to expand remote pest monitoring to olive, peach and cherry trees which are also highly prevalent in the Brda region.

The pilot project also highlighted the broader aspect of introducing new technologies of precision farming, as the introduction of digitalisation in viticulture also brings several possibilities for continuing the tradition of viticulture in Brda. Farming is constantly in the process of changing generations, and as young farmers are already exceptionally savvy in using digital technologies, they can benefit from the advantages that modern tools bring. On the other hand, farmers are also facing challenges, such as the lack of workforce, growth in production costs, increasing demand for a higher quality of produce with zero traces of pesticide, as well as climate change. Farming digitalisation can assist in the response to all of them.

Matjaž Prinčič, young farm transferee: “The Trapview automatic network solution is certainly a step towards precise farming and digitalisation. The mobile app allows us to precisely determine the concentration of pests at a location, and to consequently improve our pest control measures. Every time we can skip a planned use of pesticides helps protect the environment and lower production costs.”

Silvan Peršolja, CEO, Klet Brda: “New technologies that help us on the path towards digitalisation and precise farming are a welcome tool for a nature-friendly approach to growing grapes and making wine, even in a traditional setting with millennia old customs.”

Trapview is protected by a European patent
The uniqueness and distinctiveness of the Trapview service is protected by a European patent. In 2022 Trapview was awarded a CEPP certificate from the French Ministry of Agriculture for sustainable food production. The proof of value that was needed to obtain the certificate, was a demonstration test made by the accredited laboratory Eurofins, which applied Trapview to apple farming, proving that it prevented 40% of planned pesticide sprayings. The comparison was made with conventional pest monitoring and the decisions to act against them, with the same quality of produce.

Today Trapview is present on all continents, and is used to monitor for more than 50 types of pests.

A growing number of Slovenian municipalities using smart solutions for various applications
The solutions that Telekom Slovenije develops for smart environments can be tailored to the needs of each local community or purpose. The best part is that municipalities can apply technological solutions to make very concrete steps: in the cities they can be used to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency, and provide smart traffic, parking and lighting management. All of this over a reliable network and with secure data storage, provided by Telekom Slovenije. 

Samo Turk, Development Director at Telekom Slovenije: “Technological development brings numerous opportunities for individuals, organisations and communities. The Internet of Things has encouraged the development of solutions for comprehensive management of infrastructure, services and processes across different environments. This makes use of services much simpler, services are easily accessible, and the quality of life is improved.”

Solutions are tailored to specific needs and industries, for example to electricity generation and supply, transportation, logistics, construction, healthcare, protection and rescue, and public utilities. And, last but not least, for viticulture, which was accomplished in collaboration with partners.

“This is a seemingly very simple solution, because it is so easy to use. It is actually powered by highly complex technology, as it is important that all processes run smoothly, in real time and that they provide useful, actionable information. The whole point of digitalisation is to make it possible to find what we need in a simple, fast and reliable way. It is therefore no surprise that a growing number of Slovenian municipalities is opting for smart solutions in different fields or supporting local project, much in the manner of how Brda municipality supported the pilot project of viticulture digitalisation,” added Samo Turk.