Quantification of strawberry plant growth and amount of light received using a depth sensor

Abstract

Temperature control, fertilization management and long-day treatments are commonly implemented to achieve optimal growth control in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Control of these parameters has typically relied on visual evaluation of plants by producers. For advanced production control, it is necessary to continuously monitor growth and amounts of light received. In this study, we quantified the height of strawberry plants, and leaf area receiving direct sunlight in different leaf layers over time using Kinect, a depth sensor. Data from the sensor enabled evaluation of temporal changes in plant height and of the differences in the stratification of strawberry plants grown in greenhouses at two different low nighttime temperatures. The amount of light received by different layers of the entire plant community could be estimated from sensor measurements, and was directly correlated with yield and dry weight. Our results demonstrate that a depth sensor like Kinect can quantify essential information on strawberry growth and amounts of light received. Further improving the accuracy of measurement by sensors could lead to the development of effective cultivation management methods based on the amount of photosynthesis and growth of plants.