Application of light detection and ranging and ultrasonic sensors to high-throughput phenotyping and precision horticulture: current status and challenges

Abstract

Remote sensing: Shining light on tree productivity LIDAR should be combined with other information from groves or orchards to gain a better understanding of the factors driving tree performance and optimize it. LIDAR is a remote sensing method which ‘maps’ surfaces by shining light at them and measuring how long the light takes to return. Within horticulture, it’s main use has been in estimating canopy volume to optimize spraying of eg. fruit trees, or fertilizer distribution. In this review, André Colaço at the University of São Paulo in Brazil and colleagues describe the evolution of this technology and its broader applications. They suggest that by combining LIDAR with other information, such as soil electrical conductivity and fertility; or historic yield, disease and pest occurrence, growers could fine-tune crop production. LIDAR could also be used to evaluate the performance of new plant varieties.