Non-destructive stalk and root contact sensor with variable rate tensioner
AssigneePioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
InventorPHILIP F. BRUNE
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Abstract
An apparatus and methods for non-destructively analyzing the strength of plant roots and stalks, and uses of this information in plant breeding, crop production, and detection of plant pathology. The apparatus and methods involve the use of a variable rate tensioner that may be automatically or remotely adjusted based on crop conditions.
Claims27
A sensor system for detecting properties of a plant in a field, said sensor system comprising:
- a plurality of contact elements, at least some of which contact the plant,
- a sensor operably connected to each contact element, whereby the sensor measures the mechanical force resulting from the mechanical interaction between the contact element and the plant, and
- a tensioner operably connected to each contact element, wherein each tensioner may be remotely adjusted, and wherein each tensioner provides mechanical resistance to the motion of the contact element.
A method of assaying at least one property of a plant in a field using a sensor system, comprising moving the sensor system past a row of plants, said sensor system comprising contact elements, and allowing at least some contact elements on the sensor system to contact the plants in the row, detecting the force acting on the contact elements as they contact the plants and correlating the force with at least one plant property, wherein the mechanical resistance of at least one contact element on the sensor system may be remotely adjusted.
A method of assaying plants inoculated with a pathogen, comprising moving a sensor system past a row of plants inoculated with a pathogen at a known location on the stalk of said plant, said sensor system comprising contact elements and allowing at least some contact elements on the sensor system to contact the plants in the row at the point of inoculation, wherein the sensor system is positioned to detect the force of the contact elements as they contact the plant and correlating the force with the level of stalk damage caused by the stalk boring insect, wherein the mechanical resistance of at least one contact element on the sensor system can be remotely adjusted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.