A
new tool helps farmers, foresters and other growers, detect unhealthy
crops before the human eye can see the damage. Through an exclusive
patent license from NASA Stennis Space Center, Spectrum Technologies,
Inc., of Plainfield, Illinois, has developed a hand-held tool, called
Observer, for detecting plant
stress.
Developed by
two NASA researchers, the Observer shows the viewer which plants
are under stress through multispectral imaging. Multispectral
imaging is the use of specific wavelengths of the light spectrum
to obtain information about objects--in this case, plants. With
this device, several wavelengths of light obtain information
about the plant and results are immediately processed and displayed.
Plant stress
is caused by unfavorable environmental conditions, such as a
lack of nutrients, insufficient water, disease, or insect damage.
If conditions are unfavorable, leaf chlorophyll content will
begin to decrease. Without instrumentation, this decrease is
virtually undetectable until a leaf begins to change color. However,
by the time discoloration occurs, the plant may already be too
damaged to save.
NASA research
found that previsible signs of stress can be detected by measuring
the chlorophyll content based on light energy reflected from
the plant. The Observer detects stress up to 16 days before deterioration
is visible to the eye. Early detection provides an opportunity
to reverse stress and save the plant.
The Observer
is a hand-held, easily operated device. The operator simply points
it at the leaf and pushes a button to achieve immediate readings.
Since the unit is designed for close range use, optimal readings
are achieved when the device is held approximately 18-24 inches
from the leaf. However, results have been recorded from as far
as 20 yards away from the plant. Once the button has been pressed,
the multispectral imaging process goes to work and results are
supplied within several seconds. Because the unit works in both
natural and artificial light, it is suitable for outdoor or indoor
planting.
In terms of
cost, the device can mean substantial savings. When compared
with costly, lengthy laboratory tests, Spectrum's device comes
out top dollar. The Observer is not only cheaper and more accurate
than previous detection methods, but it also aids in crop preservation.
It replaces laboratory testing, freeing more resources to advance
crop and forest science.
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The
Observer is a hand-held device used to assist with monitoring
the health of plants by providing information about nutrient
and water levels, and possible disease or damage. |
Commercial applications are found in
almost any field where plant life is present, including agriculture,
precision farming, horticulture, and plant research. Farmers
using the Observer will lose less crop, ensuring maximum harvest.
Entire forests could be saved through the early detection of
various tree diseases. There is a very real opportunity to create
an overall healthier plant life for commercial growers.
Mike Thurow,
president and founder of Spectrum Technologies, Inc., expects
this device will cultivate healthier plants, reduce chemical
expenditure, and monitor the physiological effects of plants.
The Observer is a trademark
of Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
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