Greenguard: Innovative Voc Sensor Network For Advanced Plant Stress Monitoring And Precision Agriculture
ID U-7331
Category Hardware, Circuits, & Sensors
Subcategory
Researchers
Brief Summary
The proposed technology advocates a VOC sensor network for early monitoring of plant stress, enabling timely intervention against pests or diseases, leading to increased crop yields and reduced pesticide usage.
Problem Statement
The world's rising population demands a 50-75% increase in food supply by 2050. Monitoring crop stress is crucial to prevent yield loss from diseases or insect infestations.
Technology Description
University of Utah researchers have created a real-time VOC sensor network capable of detecting specific markers emitted by stressed sorghum, such as mechanical stress from insects. This sensor network remains dormant yet continuously monitors VOCs without consuming power, ensuring a long lifetime in the field. The technology enables early detection of stress, allowing prompt actions to address insect issues, resulting in increased crop yield, reduced pesticide usage, and overall improved crop and soil health.
Stage of Development
Working Prototype
Benefit
o Allows for earlier detection of stressed plant, leading to earlier action to treat insects
o Results in higher yield, lower amounts of pesticides, and healthier crops and soils
o Overcomes existing methods which are lower in accuracy and require visual checks or expensive robotics
Contact Info
Jonathan Tyler
801-587-0515
jonathan.tyler@utah.edu