Smart Agriculture: Integrating Sensor Networks and Microfluidics for Targeted Detection of Plant Pathogens

Abstract

Precision agriculture aims to optimize crop production and minimize environmental impact by using technologies like sensors, robotics, and data analytics. An emerging area is the integration of sensor networks and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for quick and accurate plant pathogen detection. This review discusses recent advances in smart agriculture, focusing on networked microfluidic sensors for targeted, in-field plant disease diagnosis. First, the challenges of conventional plant pathology are outlined, demonstrating the need for innovative solutions. Next, microfluidic biosensors and their advantages for plant pathogen detection are described. Then, wireless sensor network architecture and implementation in the agricultural context are explored. Key examples of networked microfluidic sensors for plant disease monitoring are highlighted. Finally, challenges and future outlook are discussed. Innovations at the intersection of microfluidics and networked systems show great promise to enable rapid, on-site plant disease diagnosis and precision application of disease control measures, advancing smart agriculture.