Plants respond to stress with specific electrical signals: the plant as biosensor. Sensors are commercially available that detect these signals on abiotic stress (climate, water). We apply these sensors to detect biotic stress (diseases and pests) in an early stage, before symptoms are visible. Activation of plant defences is also communicated by electrical signals which means it can also be measured. Electrophysiological sensors have the potential to monitor the current health status of the plant and serve as a decision-support tool for the grower.

The goal of this PPS (Public-Private Partnership) is to develop a plant-driven, cross-crop system for the early detection of diseases and pests before symptoms become visible.

The development and implementation of sensors in Dutch greenhouse horticulture are currently mainly focused on detecting climate, water, and nutrient supply and the resulting abiotic stress. For detecting biotic stress, such as diseases and pests, cameras are primarily used. However, diseases, pests, or their damage must be clearly visible for detection, making these systems less suitable for small, mobile pests like thrips. Cameras make detection easier and more efficient, but detecting symptoms is, in fact, too late, as further spread may have already occurred.

The outcome of this PPP is to demonstrate the potential of plants as biosensors by using electrical plant signals for: 1) Early detection of pests and diseases before symptoms appear, 2) Measuring plant resilience, and 3) Monitoring the effects of treatments and cultivation measures that enhance plant resilience in order to support the development of a resilient, autonomous cultivation system with no negative impact on people or the environment. In doing so, electrophysiological sensors could be applied for the simultaneous detection of both abiotic and biotic stress in greenhouse and field crops, as well as (fruit) trees.