Are We Close Enough to Hear the Plants and Are We Listening in the Right Language?.

A number of sensor technologies are available for use by researchers and crop managers. These systems can dramatically improve our understanding of crop condition and the most appropriate actions to take. However understanding the strengths and limitations of various sensor technologies remains an impediment to expanded use. Key to taking the next steps in sensor-based management will be the integration of multiple sensor technologies and systems to provide feedback on both the type and severity of biotic and abiotic stresses. This will require more robust sensor methodologies and linked coordination so that one system can provide input to the next. It will also require careful selection of strategies or technologies that complement each other in order to move from detection to diagnosing stress and ultimately to generate a management recommendation.