title: Rapid, automated detection of stem canker symptoms in woody perennials using artificial neural network analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pseudomonas syringae can cause stem necrosis and canker in a wide range of woody species including cherry, plum, peach, horse chestnut and ash. The detection and quantification of lesion progression over time in woody tissues is a key trait for breeders to select upon for resistance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study a general, rapid and reliable approach to lesion quantification using image recognition and an artificial neural network model was developed. This was applied to screen both the virulence of a range of P. syringae pathovars and the resistance of a set of cherry and plum accessions to bacterial canker. The method developed was more objective than scoring by eye and allowed the detection of putatively resistant plant material for further study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Automated image analysis will facilitate rapid screening of material for resistance to bacterial and other phytopathogens, allowing more efficient selection and quantification of resistance responses.
authors.affiliation: East Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6BJ Kent, UK.
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: East Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6BJ Kent, UK.|School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AJ UK.
authors.forename: Michelle T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Hulin
authors.affiliation: East Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6BJ Kent, UK.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brain
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK.
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mansfield
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AJ UK.
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: East Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6BJ Kent, UK.|School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AJ UK.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3307-3519
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
keywords: Artificial neural network; Image analysis; Stem canker