Here's how you know.
 **Official websites use .gov**
        
        A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
        
        A **lock** (  ) or **https://** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
 National Agricultural Library
                U.S. Department of Agriculture
        
                              Secondary Links
  

        
      Ask A QuestionContact UsDigiTopSite Search
Submit Search

                              menu

                                      Main menu

      
      HomeTopicsAnimal Health and WelfareEconomics, Business, and TradeFarms and Agricultural Production SystemsHuman Nutrition and Food SafetyNatural Resources, Conservation, and EnvironmentPlant Production and GardeningRural Development and CommunitiesAll TopicsResearch ToolsNAL Catalog (AGRICOLA)PubAgAg Data CommonsNAL ThesaurusFood Data CentralFood Safety Research Projects DatabaseManuscript Collections SearchAll Research ToolsCollectionsDigital CollectionsExhibitsSpecial CollectionsStories From the CollectionGovernment DocumentsAll CollectionsDataScientific Data ServicesData Management Planning ServicesCreate a DMPDMP Feedback and ReviewFind a Data RepositoryData Management GlossaryData Management VideosServicesPublic Access and Open Science at USDAData Management PlanningAg Data Commons User GuideDigiTopBorrow MaterialsReference and ResearchAll ServicesAbout UsAbout the LibraryEventsOrganization ChartInternshipsProgram AreasContact Us Home
          Research Tools
          Food Safety Research Projects Database
          PLUG AND PLAY, INEXPENSIVE WATER POTENTIAL SENSOR FOR WIDE USE IN SMALL-STEM CROPSPLUG AND PLAY, INEXPENSIVE WATER POTENTIAL SENSOR FOR WIDE USE IN SMALL-STEM CROPS

  

Objective
              The focus of this SBIR project is to develop the FloraPulse μTensiometer for widespread use in crops with small stems. We aim to enable ubiquitous measurement of water potential in commercial, scientific and consumer applications. To this end, we propose to redesign the sensor and installation method for small-stems and field test it in numerous crops.Aim 1: Modify the microchip design to increase response speed and sensitivity (Fig. 4). To achieve ubiquitous use of our probe, we will redesign the microchip to dramatically increase response speed by up to 25x and sensitivity by up to 30x. A faster, more sensitive microchip will enable (1) water potential measurement in annual crops and typical soils that have high (wet) water potential, (2) eventual shrinking of the microchip die, which is currently large and expensive by microfabrication standards, (3) improved long-term sensor accuracy and stability, (4) capture of smaller water potential features the sensor is currently too slow to measure and (5) lower-cost electronics to power and read the microchip.Aim 2: Develop hardware and methods for easy, quick installation in small stems (Figs. 5 - 7). In this aim we will develop an installation method that is 10x faster (1 minute), requires no power tools and produces a wound 25x smaller (3 mm diameter x 7 mm deep) than our current method. These improvements will be tested with an 'artificial stem' developed to test the critical measurement parameters in the laboratory. The improved method will help increase accuracy and customer adoption with our existing (large-stem) crops and enable servicing of numerous crops whether annuals or young perennials.Aim 3: Test critical wound response in numerous small-stem crops. Once the sensor installation method has been developed, the biggest unknown is the wounding response for each plant species. Previous testing has shown a variety of responses: no visible wound response (e.g., apple), phloem-based wounding gels (e.g., prunus), xylem-based clear exudates (e.g., walnut, pecan, avocado) and xylem-based dark exudates (e.g., persimmon). In this aim, Dr. Shackel will undertake a time-series, picture- and microscopy-based study of wounding responses in a variety of crops (kiwifruit, tomato, cotton, corn, melon, beans, coffee) to characterize the feasibility of monitoring water potential in each over long periods. This survey will form the basis of plans for future field testing and implementation of μTensiometers in new crops.Aim 4: Show proof of concept in field crops and improve the design accordingly (Fig. 3). After initial laboratory testing and a wounding response survey, we will validate the installation method in crops we have previously measured successfully (grape and almond), followed by testing in previously unmeasured crops (blueberry, cotton, corn).
      
              Investigators
    Santiago, M.; Lakso, AL, NE.Institution
          FLORAPULSE COStart date
              2022End date
              2023Funding Source
          Nat'l. Inst. of Food and AgricultureProject number
              CALW-2022-00958Accession number
              1028374Commodities
          Nuts, Seeds
          Producehttps://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/1028374.html
 Footer menu
  

        
      HomeSitemapSocial MediaFacebookTwitterYouTube
          
          Government Links
            AskUSDA
  Policies and Links
  Plain Writing
  FOIA
  Accessibility Statement
  Privacy Policy
  Non-Discrimination Statement
  Civil Rights Policy
  Information Quality
  Agricultural Research Service
  USDA.gov
  USA.gov
  WhiteHouse.govSign up for ARS News updates
                Your email address