Fine-Tuned CNN-Based Approach for Multi-Class Mango Leaf Disease Detection

Mango is an important fruit crop in South Asia, but its cultivation is frequently hampered by leaf diseases that greatly impact yield and quality. This research examines the performance of five pre-trained convolutional neural networks, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, ResNet152V2, SeResNet152, and Xception, for multi-class identification of mango leaf diseases across eight classes using a transfer learning strategy with fine-tuning. The models were assessed through standard evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and confusion matrices. Among the architectures tested, DenseNet201 delivered the best results, achieving 99.33% accuracy with consistently strong metrics for individual classes, particularly excelling in identifying Cutting Weevil and Bacterial Canker. Moreover, ResNet152V2 and SeResNet152 provided strong outcomes, whereas InceptionV3 and Xception exhibited lower performance in visually similar categories like Sooty Mould and Powdery Mildew. The training and validation plots demonstrated stable convergence for the highest-performing models. The capability of fine-tuned transfer learning models, for precise and dependable multi-class mango leaf disease detection in intelligent agricultural applications.