Will leaf sensors increase the efficacy of foliar biocontrol agents?

The efficacy and reliability of foliar biocontrol agents is determined by a wide range of environmental factors including relative humidity, temperature and the surface characteristics of the leaf. These environmental conditions greatly determine the viability, the survival and thus the biocontrol capacity of microorganisms.

Leaf clip

The laboratory of Professor Kathy Steppe developed a novel leaf sensor that allows determining the leaf’s microclimate. This phylloclimate is defined as the physical environment actually perceived by the leaf. It is described by spectral irradiance, relative humidity, temperature, and on-leaf wetness. The leaf clip that Kathy Steppe developed is a small clip-like sensor that can be easily attached to leaves of all types of plants. The clip measures in real-time. Data is collected and sent wirelessly via a datalogger to the cloud.

UGent – Bayer collaboration

In September 2021, Professor Kathy Steppe and Bayer CropScience started a joint collaboration to pursue a new application of the leaf sensors. In the project ‘MicroScan, a leaf microsensing approach for sustainable crop production',  ir. Seppe Top will investigate how the leaf sensor allows a reliable prediction of favorable micrometeorological conditions on the leave to maximize the activity of biocontrol agents. As such UGent and Bayer hope to develop a tool for farmers to reduce chemical crop protection and maximize the efficacy and reliable use of biocontrol agents. The results of this project will significantly contribute to achieving the goals of the From Farm To Fork Strategy developed by the European Commission. 

This project is funded by Vlaio via a Baekeland Mandate.

For more information please contact maaike.perneel@ugent.be