A portable system and method for imaging plant physiology and early detection of plant disease | Available Intellectual Property | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

A portable system and method for imaging plant physiology and early detection of plant disease

RPI ID:
2019-037-401

Innovation Summary:
A sensor-based system has been developed to detect plant diseases at an early stage by analyzing physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The system integrates imaging technologies and data analytics to identify disease-specific markers before visible symptoms appear. It enables real-time monitoring and automated alerts, improving response time and reducing crop loss. The approach is adaptable to various plant species and environmental conditions.

Challenges / Opportunities:
Traditional plant disease detection methods rely on visual inspection, which often occurs too late to prevent spread. This system offers a proactive solution that can be integrated into precision agriculture platforms. There is a growing demand for sustainable farming practices and yield optimization, creating a strong market opportunity. Integration with IoT and AI platforms could further enhance scalability and predictive capabilities.

Key Benefits / Advantages:
✔ Early, non-invasive detection of plant disease
✔ Reduces crop loss and improves yield
✔ Compatible with precision agriculture systems
✔ Adaptable to multiple plant species and environments
✔ Enables real-time monitoring and alerts

Applications:
• Precision agriculture
• Greenhouse and indoor farming
• Crop research and breeding programs

Keywords:
plant disease detection, precision agriculture, biosensors, crop monitoring, early diagnostics, smart farming

Intellectual Property:
Published US Patent Application 17/42614

Patent Information: