Photonic Technology in Plant and Agricultural Sciences

- Overview

The demand for modern plant and food production has increased significantly in recent years. On the one hand, framework conditions are becoming increasingly difficult due to climate change and various regulations, and on the other hand, expectations are constantly growing due to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the International Bioeconomy Strategy. 

Photonics technology is a key component in bridging this gap due to its wide range of applications. 

- Applications of Photonic Technologies

Applications of photonic technologies range from basic research in plant science to practice-oriented agronomic applications of the field: modern microscopy techniques allow the study of morphogenetic processes, thereby contributing to a detailed understanding of the relationship between plant genotypes and phenotypes. 

Laser micromanipulation provides a tool to manipulate plant tissue on a microscopic scale. Optical screening methods identify the best candidates for resistance breeding. Spectroscopic methods detect ingredients and allow non-contact assessment of the nutritional value and quality of foods. 

In the field, multispectral or hyperspectral imaging methods can measure the condition of plants and thus form the backbone of precision agriculture. Additionally, there are laser-based methods of weed control and pest management. 

Diverse sensor data are increasingly complemented by automated data evaluation methods in the field of artificial intelligence that can be evaluated and interpreted quickly, e.g. for the analysis of hyperspectral data cubes or weed detection.

- Manipulate Plants with Coherent and Incoherent Light

• laser weeding
• Micromanipulation of plants, e.g. molecular delivery for ablation studies
• Laser processing of plant material
• Optical disinfection within the food chain
• Pest Control Laser
• Use a laser to make vegetal components barren and sparse.

- Optical Imaging and Spectral Sensing of Plants  

• Hyperspectral imaging of plants and canopies, plant monitoring
• Spectral evaluation of nutritional value, food quality and maturity
• Optical biomechanics of plants, e.g. by OCE and Brillouin spectroscopy
• 3D acquisition of plants and plant organs using optical methods such as OCT, LIDAR, stereo cameras, TOF, etc.

- Numerical Methods for Data Processing in Plant and Agricultural Sciences

• Image recognition of agricultural pests and abiotic stresses
• Assignment and compositional analysis of spectral data
• Machine vision, e.g. for detecting weeds
• Quantification of vegetation/vegetation indices.

- Related Topics

• Carrier System
• Optical System Integration
• Laser safety
• Plant (in vitro) culture system for optical sensing
• Optical sensing technology in vertical farming.

[More to come ...]