Leaf Sensor Monitors Plant Health 

The sensor that sticks to leaves tracks plant health in real time. Unlock the future of farming and forests—discover more!

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed a leaf-mounted sensor to streamline plant health assessment, making it easier to determine whether a plant is thriving or deteriorating. This compact yet powerful device has the potential to enhance crop yields and improve resource management to meet growing global demands. 

A team of scientists have developed an innovative sensor that attaches directly to the underside of plant leaves. This compact device uses a spectroscopic sensor and integrated light source to measure leaf colour without interfering with sunlight exposure.

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The sensor is designed to track changes in the same location over time. Powered by a battery, it features Wi-Fi connectivity for data transmission, waterproofing for durability, and the ability to operate outdoors for over a month, enabling extended data collection with minimal maintenance.

The sensor performed superior to a commercial spectrometer in tests conducted on approximately 90 leaves from 30 different plant species. Its readings at 620 nm closely aligned with those from commercial chlorophyll meters, and it reliably distinguished colours across seven of its eight measurable wavelengths.

Further experiments using a stress-sensitive mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana showed that changes in the sensor’s readings at 550 nm correlated with the plant’s stress responses and matched the widely recognized Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI).

In a real-world outdoor experiment, the sensor was attached to birch leaves to monitor colour changes over two weeks during autumn as the leaves aged. The data revealed how the plant’s responses varied with sunlight exposure and showed a decline in chlorophyll levels, a key indicator of plant stress.

This cutting-edge diagnostic technology allows targeted intervention in areas where support is most critical. Its versatile applications include smart farming, forest health monitoring, and other domains that demand precise, real-time tracking of plant health.