Which plant feedback systems are there?

Greenhouse horticulture is undergoing a transformation: we are moving from climate controlled greenhouses to plant driven greenhouses. This means that we are steering based on the crop’s real time needs, measured with plant feedback systems or sensors. Thanks to the new generation of plant feedback systems, growers now have insight into the physiological condition of their crops.

Where we used to focus mainly on environmental factors like temperature, light, and CO₂, the emphasis is now shifting toward how the crop actually responds to these factors. After all, a high PAR value means little if the plant is not using the light efficiently. Plant feedback systems provide insight into what is truly happening inside the plant, whether it is photosynthesis, stomatal activity, or stress signals. In this way, we move from simply recording data to understanding it, and ultimately to smarter control.
In this article, we discuss four plant feedback systems that provide real time data on plant health.

2Grow offers two sensors that directly measure how the plant transports water and how the stem diameter behaves in real time. The sap flow sensor provides insight into the amount of water taken up and moved through the plant, which is a direct indication of transpiration and root activity. The stem diameter sensor measures microscopic changes in stem thickness, which reflect the plant’s water balance and whether it is expanding or shrinking. These measurements offer valuable insights into the type of growth the plant is undergoing, whether it is more vegetative or generative—and whether the plant has struggled to grow.

2Grow Technology

The biosensor from Vivent measures electrical signals in the plant, also known as biopotentials. These signals provide real time insight into how the plant responds to changes such as shifts in light, irrigation, nutrient additions, or other environmental factors. This is determined through advanced models that translate the rhythm of the biosignals into specific stress indicators, such as water or nutrient deficiencies.

Technology Vivent Biosensor

The biosensor uses electrophysiological technology, with two electrodes attached to the plant. These electrodes register microvolt signals generated by internal voltage changes within the plant. Through advanced modeling, this data is translated into valuable plant feedback insights for the grower.