ARTs Project: Key Events, Workshops and Field Activities
During the implementation of the ARTs project, a series of events, workshops, and field activities were carried out, aiming to present the project’s objectives and promote the use of digital tools and new technologies for sustainable weed management in rice cultivation.
The project kick-off meeting was held at the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, where the ARTs project was presented together with the PreWeM project. During the meeting, the project objectives, structure, and timeline were presented, along with key aspects of coordination among project partners.
The ARTs project was also presented at the Thessaloniki International Fair, at the booth of the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, highlighting the role of digital tools in managing major rice weeds such as Echinochloa spp., Cyperus spp., and weedy rice (Oryza spp.).
From 12 to 15 May 2025, the ARTs project team participated in the EWRS Training Workshop on Weed Seedling Identification in Lleida, Spain, focusing on early-stage identification of weeds, including species commonly encountered in rice cultivation such as Echinochloa spp., weedy rice (Oryza sativa), and Cyperus spp., strengthening the team’s scientific knowledge and practical skills.
On 5 March 2025, a workshop took place in Chalastra, Thessaloniki, with the participation of farmers and agronomists, focusing on the practical application of the project’s tools. In addition, on 5 November 2025, a scientific workshop was organized at the Agricultural University of Athens, where the ARTs project was presented alongside the PreWeM and ONE GREEN projects, and the projects’ results, methodologies, and applications of digital tools, remote sensing, and precision agriculture were discussed.
An article addressing weed identification challenges in rice cultivation and the role of digital technologies was published on the agricultural news platform AgroEkfrasi. The article discusses recent research findings and their relevance to sustainable weed management practices. The article is available at the following link: https://agroekfrasi.gr/vgike-to-neo-ergaleio-gia-tin-anagnorisi-zizanion-sto-ryzi/
In parallel, the project team conducted field visits to rice fields and UAV (drone) flights to support data collection and test weed mapping and detection tools under real field conditions.
These activities contributed both to the technical implementation of the project and to knowledge exchange with stakeholders, supporting the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in rice cultivation.
Workshop: Agroecological Approaches, Digital Tools, and Emerging Technologies in Agriculture
The Agricultural University of Athens, the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, and the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DIMITRA are co-organizing a scientific workshop/Synergy-Day titled “Agroecological Approaches, Digital Tools and New Technologies in Agriculture: Results, Prospects and Impacts.”
Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Time: 09:00
Location: “Alexandros Poulovassilis” Library Amphitheater, Agricultural University of Athens
The workshop is organized within the framework of the research projects ONE GREEN, ARTs, and PreWeM, and will present key results, technological developments, and future perspectives that support the transition toward more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The event aims to highlight how agroecological principles, advanced digital tools, and innovative technologies can enhance modern crop production and address emerging challenges in the agricultural sector.
Final Drone Flight of the 2025 Growing Season in Chalastra
Between 22 and 26 September, the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, through the Weed Science Laboratory, conducted the final monitoring mission of the 2025 season in the Chalastra region, within the framework of the Agro-Rice-Tools (ARTs) project.
The primary objectives of this field visit were to observe and document weed populations that present significant challenges to rice cultivation, and to collect seeds from key species of interest, including Echinochloa spp., Cyperus difformis, and Oryza sativa. These collections contribute to the project’s broader efforts in weed biology, diagnostics, and management research.
Drone flights were carried out to obtain high-resolution imagery of the rice fields, while ground-truthing data were collected at selected locations using RTK GPS technology. This combination ensures high spatial accuracy for subsequent analyses, supporting detailed mapping and improved interpretation of field conditions.
Second Drone Flight of the 2025 Growing Season in Chalastra
Between 22 and 24 July, the second drone flight of the ARTs project was conducted in the Chalastra region as part of the ongoing monitoring activities for the 2025 growing season. The flight focused on collecting updated information on the condition of the rice fields, supporting the continuous assessment of crop development throughout the season.
In addition to the aerial survey, data were gathered from selected field locations and classified according to weed presence levels. These ground-based observations provide essential inputs for subsequent analysis and contribute to the accuracy of the project’s weed detection and mapping procedures.
First Drone Flight of the 2025 Growing Season in Thessaloniki
The 2025 growing season has commenced with the first drone flight conducted in Thessaloniki as part of the ongoing research activities of the project.
A field monitoring flight was performed to assess crop and soil conditions, accompanied by targeted sampling at specific locations using RTK GPS technology to ensure high-precision geolocation. In parallel, an additional high-resolution aerial survey was carried out by external collaborator Jason Biniaris, in partnership with SAM-DIMENSION, providing detailed imagery to support further analysis and contribute to model improvement.
By integrating advanced technologies, such as UAV platforms, RTK systems, and comprehensive ground-truth sampling, the project is establishing a robust foundation for targeted, efficient, and sustainable crop management. These efforts aim to support the development of reliable and practical solutions for the agriculture of the future.
ARTs Workshop completed successfully!
The scientific workshop “Innovation & Technology in Rice Cultivation” took place on March 5, 2025, in Chalastra, Thessaloniki, bringing together farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals to explore recent advancements in weed management and the contribution of digital technologies to sustainable rice cultivation.
Location: Chalastra, Thessaloniki
Participation: Strong attendance with constructive discussions on current challenges and emerging solutions in modern rice production.
Key Presentations
Dr. Demos Chachalis (Benaki Phytopathological Institute – BPI): Introduction to the ARTs project and an overview of weed management strategies in rice cultivation.
Dr. Gerassimos Peteinatos (ELGO DIMITRA): Presentation of the newly developed mobile application (ARTs app) for field data collection and monitoring of weed infestations.
Zoi Tserioni (Benaki Phytopathological Institute – BPI): Analysis of the initial results obtained through drone-based weed monitoring and mapping.
Stelios Christodoulou (IONOS Drones UAV): Demonstration of drone capabilities in precision agriculture and targeted herbicide application.
Christos Gatzaras (President, A’ Agricultural Cooperative of Chalastra) & Vasilis Koukourikis (President, B’ Agricultural Cooperative of Chalastra): Insights into the challenges faced by rice growers and the potential of technology to enhance productivity.
The workshop underscored the significance of innovation, digital tools, and emerging technologies in achieving sustainable and efficient weed management in rice cultivation.
This event was supported by the valuable contributions of the project’s sponsors: Elanco Hellas, Corteva Agriscience, UPL, and K&N Efthymiadis S.A.
Upcoming Workshop: Innovation & Technology in Rice Cultivation
A scientific seminar focusing on innovative approaches to weed detection, mapping, and sustainable herbicide management in rice cultivation will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The event is organized under the ARTs research project by the Benaki Phytopathological Institute – Weed Science Laboratory, in collaboration with ELGO DIMITRA – Soil & Water Resources Institute.
Date: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 (starting at 16:30)
Location: Library Hall, DIM. CHANTES, Chalastra, Thessaloniki
The seminar will address the increasing need for advanced methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of rice production systems. Presentations will focus on key thematic areas, including:
Digital tools for weed detection and mapping, such as remote sensing technologies, real-time identification systems, drones, and sensor-based platforms.
Strategies for sustainable herbicide management aimed at minimizing environmental impact and optimizing chemical use.
Applied solutions designed to improve the overall performance and resilience of rice crops.
The event is intended for farmers, agronomists, researchers, agricultural professionals, and individuals interested in emerging technologies and integrated management practices for rice cultivation.
Participation is free of charge. For further information or registration inquiries, please contact agroricetools@gmail.com or reach out through LinkedIn.
Final Visit to Chalastra for This Cultivating Season
Our team returned to the field for the final stage of this season’s cultivation, conducting precise sampling across multiple zones affected by Echinochloa spp. and red rice. This ground-truthing process, along with accurate RTK-GPS mapping, will help us validate and cross-reference data captured through drone imagery.
We also utilized PhenoCheck – provided by Spectricon -, for in-situ monitoring, collecting valuable data on both rice and every detected weed, where this information enhanced and greatly contributed to our precise ground-truthing process. In addition to our ground-truth data and its parallel validation with drone imagery, we are pleased to announce that we have completed our set of drone flights for this rice cultivation season!
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who were involved, including the project coordinator Dr. Demos Chachalis, Kostas Kravvas for his heart-warming hosting to his rice cultivation fields, Dr. Gerassimos Peteinatos for his valuable drone and weed-mapping knowledge, Agronomist Aggeliki Petraki for contributing into precise sampling and statistical analysis, our drone pilots Zoi Tserioni and Chryssi Kopaka, along with the technical crew from UCANDRONE S.A. for their constant support. We’re also very grateful to have the nessesary equipment provided, and acquired from Benaki Phytopathological Institute and Soil & Water Resources Institute ELGO DΙΜITRA.
Second Drone Flight Completed
August couldn’t have started better with our second flight in Chalastra! We set up once again for the next phase of our flights’ programme, led by our project coordinator Dr. Demos Chachalis.
A heartfelt thank you to UCANDRONE S.A., and especially to Kyriakos Kotzamanogloy and George Tsiaparas, for their direct communication and unwavering technical (and emotional) support for our dedicated drone pilots Zoi Tserioni and Chryssi Kopaka.
We also extend our gratitude to Dr. Vassilios Pisinaras and Soil & Water Resources Institute, ELGO-DIMITRA for providing the RTK-GPS and to Dr. Gerassimos Peteinatos for his valuable in-field geo-referencing work and insights into drone image stitching.
Thessaloniki International Fair
Our team is proud to announce that the ARTs project, developed as part of the Benaki Phytopathological Institute initiatives, was recently presented at the Thessaloniki International Fair.
Presented by Dr. Demos Chachalis at the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food booth, the project highlighted how ARTs will leverage digital tools to combat rice weeds of severe economic impact, such as Echinochloa spp., Cyperus spp. and weedy rice (Oryza spp.) – three persistent weeds that severely affect rice crop yields.
We are thrilled to have been part of this impactful event and look forward to continuing our work on projects that contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture.
First Flight in Chalastra
ARTs has successfully conducted its first flight in Chalastra. Despite facing challenges like intense heat, humidity, and of course mosquitoes 🦟, our dedicated team persevered and completed all required flights and relevant measurements.
Special thanks to Kostas Kravvas for hosting us at his rice fields and providing the ideal environment for our work.
ARTs kick-off meeting
On Thursday, April 18th, we had the first kick-off meeting for PreWeM and ARTs at Benaki Phytopathological Institute, funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. With approximately 18 members participating both in-person and remotely, the event was a great success! Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed their valuable insights.
Special shoutout to the coordinators of this program, Dr. Gerassimos Peteinatos and Dr. Dinos Ferentinos, and a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Demos Chachalis for his invaluable contributions to idea exchange and sharing of opinions, and for graciously hosting us at Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI). Looking forward to the journey ahead as we work together towards our goals!