Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for installing water potential detectors in plants stems, measuring the water potential in the plants, and evaluating crop irrigation conditions.

Abstract: A system for evaluating irrigation condition in crops uses thermal imagery. The system includes at least one thermal imagery system configured for thermal mapping of an area, at least one water potential detector configured for measuring water potential in a plant stem in which it is installed and transmitting data indicative of its measurements, and a central unit. The central unit is configured to receive thermal imaging data indicative of acquired crop temperature maps, receive data from the at least one water potential detector and process the received data to evaluate irrigation condition of the crop using the data from the at least one water potential detector reference to calibrate the data from the thermal imagery system.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for installing water potential detectors in plants stems, measuring the water potential in the plants, and evaluating crop irrigation conditions.

Abstract: A device and a system are for measuring fluid potential in a plant tissue by measuring pressure changes caused due to osmosis of the plant fluid. The measuring device includes a compartment having a ridged body configured for containing an osmoticum. The compartment has at least one opening; at least two selective barrier layers, such as a membrane positioned at least over the openings of the compartment; and at least one pressure sensor configured for detecting changes in pressure of fluid in the compartment. The selective barrier is located for selectively allowing water transfer between the plant fluid and the osmoticum in the compartment. The compartment is configured such that there is a direct contact between the plant fluid and the osmoticum therein via the selective barrier.

Abstract: A method for installing a water potential detector in a plant stem comprising the steps of: providing a water potential detector comprising a compartment with an osmoticum therein, the detector being configured for measuring water potential through direct contact with plant tissue adjacent to the vascular conduit of the plant stem via the selective barrier; forming a bore through the plant stem by drilling therein, using a first type of drill bit; smoothening the inner walls of the bore by using a second type of drill bit; inserting the water potential detector into the smoothened bore such that the selective harrier thereof is in direct contact with the stem tissue of the plant; and filling the gap between the water potential detector and the stem tissue with a fluid conducting material. The selective harrier and the drilled inner stem tissue is kept wet throughout the delivery and installation process.

Abstract: A device and a system are for measuring fluid potential in a plant tissue by measuring pressure changes caused due to osmosis of the plant fluid. The measuring device includes a compartment having a ridged body configured for containing an osmoticum. The compartment has at least one opening; at least two selective barrier layers, such as a membrane positioned at least over the openings of the compartment; and at least one pressure sensor configured for detecting changes in pressure of fluid in the compartment. The selective barrier is located for selectively allowing water transfer between the plant fluid and the osmoticum in the compartment. The compartment is configured such that there is a direct contact between the plant fluid and the osmoticum therein via the selective barrier.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the water stress status of growing crops in nearly real time employing remote monitoring of entire crop-growing areas, rather than sampling or spot checks, at sufficiently high resolution to recognize features in the crop-growing area, especially to distinguish between crop foliage and non-foliage features, and requiring minimal additional measurements of environmental parameters in the crop-growing area.