Microsensor Device for Minimally Invasive Measurement of Moisture Storage in Plants Shoots

To increase the productivity of crops and ensure their stable production, a growth method based on the physiological information of plants is necessary. Therefore, in recent years, methods for direct measurement of such information are in demand. In this study, we propose a novel microsensor device for quantitative and minimally invasive measurement of moisture storage in plant shoots. The moisture-storage sensor device comprises a moisture-content sensor for measuring moisture storage, as well as an electrical-conductivity sensor and a resistance temperature detector for compensation of the moisture-content value. We fabricated the device on needle-shaped minimally invasive Si probes by using a micro-electromechanical system. We demonstrated the feasibility of the minimally invasive manner of the device in measuring the moisture storage (measurement range of approximately 40%-100%) in plant shoots.