A Jordanian engineer has developed an AI-powered technology designed to detect the destructive red palm weevil, offering a new approach to protecting date palm trees that are vital to food security, agriculture and cultural heritage across the Middle East.
The technology was created by Zaid Snoukrout, a 39-year-old engineer from Jordan, who founded the Abu Dhabi-based deep-tech company Palmear after identifying the need for an effective solution to combat the pest.
AI Uses Sound Analysis to Detect Tree Damage
According to Snoukrout, millions of date palm trees have been damaged or destroyed by the red palm weevil, posing a threat to agricultural production and local economies.
Palmear has developed a patented artificial intelligence acoustic system that analyzes sounds inside trees to identify early signs of pest infestation or disease, allowing growers to respond before severe damage occurs.
Technology Improved Through Field Testing
Snoukrout said the company’s first AI model performed well in laboratory conditions but faced challenges when tested outdoors due to changing weather conditions and background environmental noise.
He explained that continuous research and development were needed to improve the system’s accuracy and reliability under real-world farming conditions.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
The AI-based monitoring system is intended to help farmers detect tree health problems earlier, reduce crop losses and improve long-term management of date palm plantations.
The development reflects the growing use of artificial intelligence in agriculture to support sustainable farming practices, strengthen food security and protect valuable natural resources.
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