In a groundbreaking development, researchers from MIT and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have unveiled a novel method to detect plant stress using advanced sensors made from carbon nanotubes. These sensors can identify specific signaling molecules, providing early warnings of environmental and biological stressors such as excessive light, heat, or pest infestations. This innovation promises to revolutionize agricultural practices by enabling farmers to intervene before their crops suffer irreparable damage.
The sensors, which detect hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, reveal the plant’s internal distress signals in real-time. Hydrogen peroxide is known to be a general distress molecule, signaling a range of stressors from insect attacks to bacterial infections and light overload. On the other hand, salicylic acid, a molecule akin to aspirin, is crucial in regulating plant growth and responses to stress. The patterns of these molecules’ production vary depending on the type of stress, creating a unique “fingerprint” that can be used to diagnose specific issues.
“What we found is that these two sensors together can tell the user exactly what kind of stress the plant is undergoing. Inside the plant, in real time, you get chemical changes that rise and fall, and each one serves as a fingerprint of a different stress,” explains Michael Strano, the Carbon P. Dubbs Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT and co-lead principal investigator at SMART’s Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision research group.
The study, which appears in Nature Communications, was co-authored by Sarojam Rajani, a senior principal investigator at the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore. The lead authors include Mervin Chun-Yi Ang, associate scientific director at SMART, and Jolly Madathiparambil Saju, a research officer at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory.
The sensors are embedded into plants by dissolving them in a solution, which is then applied to the underside of a leaf. The nanosensors enter through the stomata, the pores on the leaf surface, and settle in the mesophyll, the layer where most photosynthesis occurs. When the sensors detect their target molecules, they emit a fluorescent signal that can be captured using an infrared camera, providing a clear and immediate indication of the plant’s stress level.
This cutting-edge technology offers a proactive approach to crop management. By identifying stress signals early, farmers can take timely actions to mitigate damage, whether it’s adjusting light exposure, addressing heat stress, or combating pest infestations. This could dramatically reduce crop losses and improve yields, enhancing food security and sustainability.
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate agricultural benefits. The ability to monitor plant health in real-time could lead to more precise and efficient farming practices, reducing the need for chemical interventions and promoting more sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, understanding the specific stress responses of plants could inform breeding programs aimed at developing more resilient crop varieties.
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to agriculture, innovations like these sensors are crucial. They provide a window into the plant’s internal world, allowing for a more nuanced and responsive approach to farming. The collaboration between MIT and SMART exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary research to address global challenges and underscores the importance of technological advancements in ensuring a stable and productive agricultural future.