Establishing crop water stress index (CWSI) threshold values for early, non-contact detection of plant water stress

Early, non–contact, non–destructive, and quantitative detection of plant water stress with the application of infrared thermometry using a crop water stress index (CWSI) was established. A CWSI model for plants grown under controlled environments was developed using thermodynamic principles and energy balance of the plant. CWSI threshold values were established with a parametric approach. The effectiveness of the sensing technique was evaluated using timing of the stress detection by a grower. The CWSI–based technique was able to detect the stress one to two days prior to the time of stress detection by visual observation. Overall results of this study suggested that pre–visual and non–contact detection of plant water stress with infrared thermometry application using CWSI is feasible.

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