Laser-based remote detection of leaf wetness

Pesticide-free agricultural strategies need new tools for disease prevention. Better than early detection of disease, conditions favorable to their appearance can be a progress. In the case fungal diseases, presence water on plant surface is necessary. order detect remotely this and at scale crop field, we propose low-cost solution based laser reflection. Here, experimental results in controlled environment are presented both hydrophobic hydrophilic leaves (rapeseed Brassica Napus grapevine Vitis Vinifera, respectively). We first assess leaf by recreating dew formation process. next evaluate influence scanning measurement inclination get closer in-field conditions. Results show that method very sensitive types leaves. Water possible from low coverage with high temporal precision 1 m. case, leads an increase detected signal up three times compared dry leaf. The corresponding minimum detectable m evaluated 1.6% thanks 2D ray-tracing numerical simulations. contrary, decrease almost half. For types, delay contained under 5 min improved. Finally, pave way field application.