2018 ASHS Annual Conference

New development of innovative technologies and products have opened up exciting opportunities for more directly and precisely quantifying plant water and nutrient status and the responses of plants to related stresses. New technologies showcased in this workshop include (by the order of presentation) (1) overview of instruments developed to measure plant water status, such as tree hydration, (2) microtensiometer for measuring stem water potential, (3) thermal imaging devices for quantifying plant water stress, (4) sensing technology for analyzing nutrient status in fruit trees, and (5) laser mediated nucleic acid delivery system that can enhance the uptake of foliar applied chemicals by fruit trees.

Renowned experts from both industry and academia will introduce the design theories, review the scientific promises of the featured products, and demonstrate the applications either by videos (nutrient sensors, TDR system, and laser mediated nucleic acid delivery system) or on-site installation and remote data collection (i.e., microtensiometer, infrared radiometers, sap flow velocity and nutrient sensors). There are, however, limitations to have some of the instruments available at the workshop. For example, operating an x-ray instrument requires different levels of certification in different states.

At the end of the workshop, a 15-minute panel discussion facilitated by organizers will address questions from the audience and provide networking opportunities among researchers and product developers. Speakers will have additional video materials ready to address some of the questions that are expected based on their experiences.