AI-powered detection and quantification of post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) in cassava using YOLO foundation models and K-means clustering

Background: Post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) poses a significant challenge to the cassava industry, leading to substantial economic losses. This study aims to address this issue by developing a comprehensive framework in collaboration with cassava breeders. Results: Advanced deep learning (DL) techniques such as Segment Anything Model (SAM) and YOLO foundation models (YOLOv7, YOLOv8, YOLOv9, and YOLO-NAS), were used to accurately categorize PPD severity from RGB images captured by cameras or cell phones. YOLOv8 achieved the highest overall mean Average Precision (mAP) of 80.4%, demonstrating superior performance in detecting and classifying different PPD levels across all three models. Although YOLO-NAS had some instability during training, it demonstrated stronger performance in detecting the PPD_0 class, with a mAP of 91.3%. YOLOv7 exhibited the lowest performance across all classes, with an overall mAP of 75.5%. Despite challenges with similar color intensities in the image data, the combination of SAM, image processing techniques such as RGB color filtering, and machine learning (ML) algorithms was effective in removing yellow and gray color sections, significantly reducing the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) in PPD estimation from 20.01 to 15.50. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms allow for efficient analysis of large datasets, enabling rapid screening of cassava roots for PPD symptoms. This approach is much faster and more streamlined compared to the labor-intensive and time-consuming manual visual scoring methods. Conclusion: These results highlight the significant advancements in PPD detection and quantification in cassava samples using cutting-edge AI techniques. The integration of YOLO foundation models, alongside SAM and image processing methods, has demonstrated promising precision even in scenarios where experts struggle to differentiate closely related classes. This AI-powered model not only effectively streamlines the PPD assessment in the pre-breeding pipeline but also enhances the overall effectiveness of cassava breeding programs, facilitating the selection of PPD-resistant varieties through controlled screening. By improving the precision of PPD assessments, this research contributes to the broader goal of enhancing cassava productivity, quality, and resilience, ultimately supporting global food security efforts.