Scientists create smartwatch-like plant wearables that let farmers monitor crops in real time, detecting drought, disease and nutrient problems days before plants show visible signs of stress

British farmers are on the verge of integrating innovative plant wearables to enhance crop monitoring. These tiny sensors affixed to leaves and stems can detect distress signals in plants days before visible symptoms appear. Powered by moisture evaporation, the devices continuously operate, distinguishing between water and salinity stress while tracking growth alterations. A network of these wearables could yield unparalleled insight into field conditions from a plant’s perspective.