Drones and planes could be the next step in the fight against Kauri dieback, myrtle rust and other plant diseases.

Researchers in Italy have been using thermal-imaging cameras attached to small planes to monitor orchards with infectious bacteria.

Landcare Ecologist Andrea Byrom told Mike Hosking similar technology could be used in New Zealand.

She says in the early days of infection, there are often changes in plant structures and leaves that the average person wouldn't notice.

"This high resolution imagery and different kinds of infrared technologies can detect those things before the human eye can see it."