In a two-week Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM), Early Career Investigator Ita Bonner delved into plant physiology, investigating olive and grapevine responses to drought stress under various irrigation protocols. This mission, realized within the FruitCREWS COST Action at Desertification Research Centre (CIDE-CSIC), Valencia, took place from 11 to 22 September. Armed with sensors, thermal cameras, and advanced software, this mission was a remarkable journey of discovery.
Ita Bonner used a suite of tools to gather data inside a greenhouse, enhancing control over environmental conditions and optimizing plant growth. In the olive orchard, measurements were taken to assess plant health and water status, providing valuable insights.
Thermal imaging unveiled temperature variations across plants in the greenhouse and orchard, helping to identify stress points. Data collected, particularly from thermal images, was meticulously analyzed, uncovering correlations, trends, and anomalies.
The STSM resulted in the creation of a comprehensive database and set the stage for lasting collaboration. The outcomes align seamlessly with the Action’s objectives, ensuring a lasting impact on the agriculture sector in Spain and Albania. The extra dimension brought by the analysis of airborne thermal images from drones has broadened the toolkit for future research endeavors.
