Education

UF researchers develop tool that detects crop drought stress days before it shows

A team from UF/IFAS, the USDA, and NASA developed a hyperspectral imaging method that can identify drought stress in lettuce plants within days of reduced watering — well before wilting or discoloration appears. The system achieved roughly 97% accuracy by the fifth day and works without damaging the plants. Researchers say the technology could help greenhouse growers optimize irrigation and may eventually support crop monitoring on future space missions.

Sources: UF News