A leaf sensor is a phytometric device (measurement of plant physiological processes[1]) that measures water loss or the water deficit stress (WDS) in plants[2] by real-time monitoring the moisture level in plant leaves. The first leaf sensor was developed by LeafSens, an Israeli company granted a US patent for a mechanical leaf thickness sensing device in 2001.[3] LeafSen has made strides incorporating their leaf sensory technology into citrus orchards in Israel.[4] A solid state smart leaf sensor technology was developed by the University of Colorado at Boulder for NASA in 2007. It was designed to help monitor and control agricultural water demand.[5] AgriHouse received a National Science Foundation (NSF) STTR grant in conjunction with the University of Colorado to further develop the solid state leaf sensor technology for precision irrigation control in 2007.[6]
- ^ "Physiological functions characteristic of plants, 2009, National Center for Biological Information (MeSH)".
- ^ Cochard H, Coll L, Le Roux X, Améglio T (January 2002). "Unraveling the effects of plant hydraulics on stomatal closure during water stress in walnut". Plant Physiol. 128 (1): 282–90. doi:10.1104/pp.010400. PMC 148995. PMID 11788773.
- ^ US patent 6185833, Bravado, B.A., Sharon, Y., Seligmann, R., "Leaf thickness sensing device", issued 2001-02-13
- ^ Cohen, D. (2001). "Fruit Drinking". New Scientist (2290).
- ^ "CU-Boulder Invention May Allow Thirsty Crops to Signal Farmers | News Center | University of Colorado at Boulder". Archived from the original on 2009-12-08. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
- ^ "AgriHouse Inc. Wins NSF Grant to Develop CU Water Management Technology". University of Colorado TTO. June 7, 2007.