A breakthrough study by researchers Hossain and Tabassum, published in 2023, introduced an innovative sensor technology called PlantFit. This novel system, aimed at significantly transforming agricultural practices, can simultaneously measure key plant health indicators, providing valuable real-time insights into plant wellbeing under varying conditions. The innovation has the potential to revolutionize farming by helping growers detect water stress early, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain crop health.
PlantFit, a hybrid wearable physicochemical sensor suite, is a first in its ability to monitor two critical phytohormones—salicylic acid and ethylene concurrently. These hormones play significant roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. In addition, PlantFit measures vapor pressure deficit and stem growth in live plants, which are crucial indicators of plant health.
The sensors comprising PlantFit were crafted using low-cost, roll-to-roll screen printing technology, a process that allows for the rapid, mass production of flexible electronics. This approach to construction makes PlantFit a cost-effective solution for agriculturalists. The integrated, flexible patch, containing temperature, humidity, salicylic acid, and ethylene sensors, can be applied directly to the leaves of live plants. A strain sensor, equipped with an in-built pressure correction capability, is also designed to wrap around the plant stem. This provides pressure-compensated stem diameter measurements, another essential metric in assessing plant health.
Researchers tested PlantFit on bell pepper plants over 40 days. They recorded daily salicylic acid, ethylene, temperature, humidity, and stem diameter measurements during this time. To further understand water transport and phytohormone responses in different parts of the same plant, sensors were installed in various locations, capturing data on the spatiotemporal dynamics of these vital processes.
The correlation and principal component analyses conducted during this study demonstrated a strong association between hormone levels, vapor pressure deficit, and water transport within the plant. This data supports PlantFit’s potential to provide valuable insights into plant health and stress responses.
The findings of Hossain and Tabassum’s study suggest that PlantFit could be a game-changer for agriculture, particularly in addressing water stress and deficiencies. Farmers can implement early intervention measures by providing real-time insights into plant health, reducing stress-induced crop yield decline, and ultimately driving a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector.
