Leaf Scanner Reveals Crop Health In Seconds

Leaf Scanner Reveals Crop Health In Seconds Forget about leaf tissue tests. A new handheld scanner does everything a tissue test can and more. LeafSpec provides a non-destructive view of plant tissue, displaying the results immediately on a smartphone app. The entire process takes 10 sec. or less. “Farmers can use it to measure crop nutrient levels in the plant, such as nitrogen and phosphorus,” explains Jian Jin, LeafSpec. “It can identify disease symptoms, like tar spot and northern blight, as well as damage caused by herbicide products from different modes of action.” Jin notes that researchers can use the LeafSpec to gain an even better understanding of plant growth and health. “For the first time, they can access a real hyperspectral image with both high spatial resolution and spectral resolution,” says Jin. “This will allow them to apply advanced artificial intelligence to explore new plant features in both dimensions.” Jin explains that the LeafSpec sensors can measure light reflectance spectrums from up to 400 color bands from 400 nm (nanometers) to 1,000 nm. Human eyes can sense only three bands. All functions of the device are integrated onboard, included in the phone app or run on a computer. The image is immediately processed with an onboard microprocessor. Each measurement is georeferenced and automatically saved. However, not all LeafSpec sensors are the same. “We’ve developed a family of LeafSpec sensors with hyperspectral, multispectral and RGB microscope scanners,” says Jin. “We also developed various versions to accommodate various species, such as wheat, corn and soybeans, with different sizes and shapes of the leaves. The multi-device measures only six to eight bands, but allows people to see detailed disease symptoms and nutrient deficiencies.” Jin leads the research team at Purdue University that developed LeafSpec. He co-founded LeafSpec LLC to bring the device to market. “Currently, our company is working only with customers from the large crop breeding companies and plant scientists from universities and research institutes,” says Jin. “However, we recognize there’s a big market to serve farmers, most probably through field scouting consultants. We’re currently looking for business collaborators to introduce LeafSpec to this market.” LeafSpec measures only 10 in. by 3 in. and is designed to fit the operator’s hand, explains Jin. The battery is designed for 10 hrs. of use, enough for a full day of scanning. The device can be hand-held. However, the research team has also adapted it for use with a robotic arm and a drone. The latter allows remote sampling at predetermined sites in a field. The device requires an internet connection to upload the georeferenced results. When internet service is unavailable, the data is stored locally and retained until an internet connection is established. At that point, it’ll be uploaded automatically. Quotes for a device are available upon request. The price includes the device and the app, as well as basic image processing functions. Advanced software, such as the corn nitrogen content predictor, requires license fees. With devices normally manufactured only several times a year, there’s usually a one to two-month wait. However, rush orders are accepted. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, LeafSpec, Dr. Jian Jin (goldenswordjinjian@gmail.com; www.leafspecllc.com) or Jian Jin, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 South University St. #2014F, West Lafayette, Ind. 47907 (ph 765-494-1182; jinjian@purdue.edu; www.engineering.purdue.edu/ABEPlantSensorLab).

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