PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL & Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL & A Centralized Regional Information System for Agricultural Production in India (A Phytomonitoring project Proposal) Phytech Ltd. March 2005

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Topics Company overview PHYTOMONITORING: What is it? Why Phytomonitoring? How it works? How to get a benefit from it? Case studies Current application projects

Company Overview Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Company Overview We develop and sell revolutionary crop monitoring solutions that dramatically improve crop sustainability, yield and quality. Our products: Remote systems for monitoring crop status and growth in the field Software for system control and data downloading Proprietary graphics software Application protocols and Software for decision support in crop growing Sensors and instruments for horticulture research

Company Overview Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL Company Overview Headquartered in Israel Established in 1998 by Kibbutz Yad-Mordechai and the parent company was traded in TASE in 2000. Leading research company in Agricultural Crop Monitoring. Top class board of directors and international level advisory board. Sales in more than 30 countries world wide.

Phytomonitoring: What is it? Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytomonitoring: What is it? Information and Decision-Support System for Crop Growing ADVANTAGES: Direct, objective monitoring of plants On-line diagnostics: Early warnings Quick feedback

Phytomonitoring: What is it? Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytomonitoring: What is it? Information and Decision-Support System for Crop Growing INSTRUMENTATION MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE DATA ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION

Why Phytomonitoring? Phytech Ltd. - CROP GROWTH CONTROL Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? The Problem 1 More food on less land with half of the water! UN, 1999

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? Increasing water pollution Agriculture is the single largest user of freshwater on a global basis. The high chemicals content in groundwater is mainly from irrigation run-off from agricultural fields where chemical fertilizers have been used indiscriminately. Experts predict that, because pollution can no longer be remedied by dilution in many countries, freshwater quality will become the principal limitation for sustainable development in these countries . Control of water pollution from agriculture - FAO irrigation and drainage paper 55 The Problem 2

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? Sustainability and profitability of crop growing Loss of yield and quality caused by improper application of controllable factors (i.e. irrigation regime) Late response to harmful environmental changes (i.e. air drought) Lack of crop feedback after application of new control regimes Excessive inputs to crop production (i.e. overwatering) Laborious techniques for crop inspection Poor control of actual plant status and growth that reduce capability of quality control and timely production. The Problem 3

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? Problem Summary Land and water limitations Increasing pollution due to indiscriminate irrigation Poorly controllable sustainability and profitability Lack of information channels about the current crop status. Disconnected character of the existing information sources. The Problem

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? Appropriate Needs Tailored soil and crop management to fit the specific conditions found within a plantation or agricultural field (Precision Horticulture). Precise control of crop water status and growth in order to provide timely and discriminate application of water with fertilizers and other controllable factors Ability to observe instantly and remotely the current crop status as well as its recent trend A single computerized information channel, which replace a variety of disconnected information sources about the current crop status and growth. Reliable and low maintainable sensors and systems for assessing crop physiological status remotely

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Why Phytomonitoring? The Solution PhyTech has developed and manufactured proven solutions addressing all four needs mentioned

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? INSTRUMENTATION (sensors, systems and software) provides recording of plant characteristics and environment APPLICATION TECHNIQUES utilize the recorded data as follows: As inputs for Decision-making procedures For early Warning on plant stress For Adjustment of control regimes in trial-and-error mode

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? I want to show you an example of the power of this. Here we see an already commercial application being practiced. The field on the left is the protected field, while on the field on the right you can see the devastation of the untreated plot.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Hardware Plant sensors Fruit growth Stem growth Stem diameter Sap flow rate Leaf temperature Environmental Solar radiation Air temperature Air humidity Wind speed Soil moisture I want to show you an example of the power of this. Here we see an already commercial application being practiced. The field on the left is the protected field, while on the field on the right you can see the devastation of the untreated plot. The Solution

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Graphics Software Multi-axis charts Shows both measured and derived calculated variables Presents both instant and daily average values Has a tool for generating reports and alarms Includes a tool for data filtering and threshold analysis We have a portofolio of such vaccination products relating to major crops such as potatoes and stone fruits.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Leaf Temperature Sensor SPECIFICATIONS: Measurement Range: 5-50 °C typical Instrumental accuracy: ± 0.2 °C Stability: ± 0.5 °C over 1 year period Calibration chart: individual, non-linear. The LT-2M sensor is designed for monitoring absolute temperature of leaves. LT-2M unit usually includes two leaf temperature sensors Performance specifications of LT-2 is following Designed for monitoring absolute temperature of leaves Has minimal effect on leaf temperature Effective to compare with the air temperature and/or dew point temperature 17

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Leaf Temperature Sensor An example of diurnal monitoring of air (red), soil (black), leaf (green) and flower bud (blue) temperatures in greenhouse roses. Being the same during nighttime, the temperatures dispersed after sunrise. Midday values: Air temperature - 27.5 °C; Leaf temperature - 24.5 °C (3 c below!); Flower bud temperature - 31 °C (3.5 above air!); Soil temperature – 20 °C. The difference between flower and leaf temperature is 6.5 C! Both temperatures were measured by LT-2 sensors. An example of diurnal monitoring of air (red) , soil (black), leaf (green) and flower bud (blue) temperatures in greenhouse roses 18

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Sap Flow Sensor SPECIFICATIONS: Measurement Range: Not specified. Approximate range of 3 ml/h was determined with the use of stem simulator (5 mm diameter fiber filled PVC hose) Stem diameter: 1 to 5 mm for SF-4M 4 to10 mm for SF-5M Heating Power: 30 mW typical The SF-4M and SF-5M sensors enable to monitor diurnal variations of sap flow rate in a leaf petiole or a small stem. Both SF-4M and SF-5M sensors provide relative measurement of sap flow rate. The SF-4M sensor is designed for stems from 1 to 5 mm in diameter. The SF-5M fits for stems from 4 to 10 mm in diameter. The SF-4 and SF-5 sensors enable to monitor diurnal variations of sap flow rate in a leaf petiole or a small stem Effective to compare with air VPD 19

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Sap Flow Sensor Analysis of diurnal behavior of sap flow rate versus vapor pressure deficit or potential evapotranspiration (if available) is a fruitful method for investigating limiting factors of transpiration. A typical record is shown in the picture: a top leaf demonstrated midday reduction of sap flow in result of stomatal response while the lower one had no signs of water deficit. . A typical record of sap flow rate: a top leaf demonstrated midday reduction of sap flow in result of stomatal response while the lower one had no signs of water deficit. . 20

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Stem Microvariation Sensors SPECIFICATIONS: Linear Measurement Range: 0-5 mm or 0-10 mm Diameter Adjustment Range: 4 to 25 mm for SD-5 20 to 70 mm for SD-6 Unlimited for DE-1 Resolution : 2-3 micron The SD-5M and SD-6M Sensors enables to monitor variations of trunk diameter in micron range. Both sensors are incremental ones and are adjustable for 5-25 mm stems (SD-5) and 20-70 mm range (SD-6). Achievable resolution is about 1-2 microns with 1 kHz low-pass filter. INSTALLATION Enable monitoring of stem diameter variations in micron range caused by fluctuations of plant water content and growth.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Stem Microvariation Sensors IMPORTANT FACTS - Active tissues have major contribution to diurnal variations of stem diameter - That is why the maximum daily shrinkage is almost the same for trunk, arm, shoot and leaf petiole - Actual water loss is much greater than apparent shrinkage volume - PITH XYLEM CAMBIUM PHLOEM ACTIVE TISSUE SD-type sensor measures variations of stem diameter. Two phenomena affect the diurnal behavior of stem diameter: growth and water balance of a plant (that depends mainly on water content in phloem). Important facts……. 22

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Stem Microvariation Sensors GRAPEVINE  Indices of plant status        - trend pattern  - trend deviation  - daily contraction amplitude  - daily increment  - depression of daily maximum  - nighttime pattern The following derivative indications are used for evaluating the dynamics of plant state.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Fruit Growth Sensors SPECIFICATIONS: Linear Measurement Range: FI-XS (Extra Small Fruit): 3-30 mm FI-S (Small Fruit): 7-30 or 7-45 mm FI-M (Medium Fruit): 15-70 or 15-90 mm FI-L (Large Fruit) : 30-100 or 30-160 mm Resolution 0.1 % FS The FI series sensors are designed for monitoring absolute growth of rounded fruits. The sensor includes a differential inductive transducer provided with a special parallelogram clamp for positioning it on a fruit under investigation. There are three models covering fruits from 7 to 160 mm in diameter. Achievable resolution is 0.1% full scale. The enhanced parallelogram design of the clip provides stable and firm positioning of a fruit under study 24

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Fruit Growth Sensors Growth rate (trend), Trend deviation Deficit irrigation Full irrigation TOMATO Fruit Diameter, mm 50.0 50.1 50.2 50.3 50.4 Growth acceleration An example for tomatoes. Growth rate

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? PTM-48M Photosynthesis Monitor Leaf CO2 exchange rate (μmolCO2/m²s) Leaf transpiration rate (mgH2O/m²s) CO2 concentration in the air (ppm) Absolute air humidity (g/m³) Atmospheric pressure (mbar) Solar radiation (either W/m² or μmol/m²s) Air temperature (°C) Air humidity (%RH) Leaf temperature Soil moisture Sap flow rate Stem diameter Fruit growth Auxanometer An example for tomatoes.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? PTM-48M Photosynthesis Monitor The LC-4B enhanced pneumatically powered self-clamping leaf chamber INSTALLATION QUEUING CHAMBER WORKING CHAMBER An example for tomatoes. 27

How it works? Greenhouse Tomato Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? PTM-48M Photosynthesis Monitor 1 Photosynthesis of different tomato leaves Greenhouse Tomato 2 3 2 m 4 However, in many cases the light is not a limiting factor. An example is shown in Fig. (Bell pepper),. Abnormal decline of the photosynthesis rate took place from 11:00 till 15:00 as a result of reducing CO2 concentration. Differentiation of Photosynthesis in the canopy 28

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? PTM-48M Photosynthesis Monitor Photosynthesis and Stomatal control Cotton However, in many cases the light is not a limiting factor. An example is shown in Fig. (Bell pepper),. Abnormal decline of the photosynthesis rate took place from 11:00 till 15:00 as a result of reducing CO2 concentration. Limited water stress: low effect on photosynthesis and high on transpiration 29

CO2 and H2O pathways in the leaf Response to developing water stress Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How it works? Chloroplasts Air chamber O2 CO2 H2O Guard cell Epidermal cell Stoma Boundary Layer 0.3..3 s/cm 0.8..2 s/cm CO2 H2O CO2 and H2O pathways in the leaf Rb Rb Rs Rs Response to developing water stress Rc An example for tomatoes. PHOTOSYNTHESIS (PTM-48) TRANSPIRATION (PTM-48) STOMATAL CONDUCTANCE (Sap flow or LATD vs. VPD) WATER CONTENT (STEM DIAMETER) 30

How it works? Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL yield sample plants REMOTE DECISION SUPPORT Measurable information for decision-making algorithms (either formal or human-aided) WARNINGS Warning a grower in case of physiological disorder helps to reduce crop damage and loss caused by abiotic stress INTERACTIVE PHYTOMONITORING comparative interactive examination of different regimes, treatments and materials Remote Decision support (in formal decision-making procedures) Stress! Detecting physiological disorders Trial-and-error testing of new regimes or treatments The Solution

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How to get a benefit from it? Object of monitoring Growing strategy Effect Plant water status and trend (dendrometers plus environment) Non-stress irrigation Optimal yield and quality due to preventing eventual water stress, overwatering, salinity stress and non-optimal irrigation schedule. Saving irrigation water Regulated deficit irrigation Optimal application of water deficit for better quality due to precise continuous control of plant water status and trend. Prevention of excess water stress.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How to get a benefit from it? Object of monitoring Growing strategy Effect Plant water status and trend (dendrometers plus environment) Non-stress irrigation Optimal yield and quality due to preventing eventual water stress, overwatering, salinity stress and non-optimal irrigation schedule. Saving irrigation water Regulated deficit irrigation Optimal application of water deficit for better quality due to precise continuous control of plant water status and trend. Prevention of excess water stress. Plant growth Maximal growth Maximization of fruit size and yield due to directly controllable production Optimal Growth Higher quality standard due to optimal size of fruits and timely harvesting

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL How to get a benefit from it? Object of monitoring Growing strategy Effect Plant water status and trend (dendrometers plus environment) Non-stress irrigation Optimal yield and quality due to preventing eventual water stress, overwatering, salinity stress and non-optimal irrigation schedule. Saving irrigation water Regulated deficit irrigation Optimal application of water deficit for better quality due to precise continuous control of plant water status and trend. Prevention of excess water stress. Plant growth Maximal growth Maximization of fruit size and yield due to directly controllable production Optimal Growth Higher quality standard due to optimal size of fruits and timely harvesting CO2 exchange, transpiration, water status, growth, and environment Optimal inputs and productivity of plants Optimization of all controllable factors due to overall monitoring of all major factors of plant productivity. Improving production, saving water and fertilizers, saving energy for heating etc.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Table Grapes Vines of three varieties were examined since 2002 in Lachish area of Israel: Superior (3 vineyards), Thompson (8 vineyards) and Zani (2 vineyards). The study is carried out in cooperation with Extension Service The main purpose was to develop phytomonitoring-based decision-making procedures for the following technological tasks: When to begin irrigation season, Determination of proper irrigation rate, Determination of proper irrigation interval, Determination of better time for watering, Timely revealing eventual plants physiological disorder Evaluation of plant response to trial changes of irrigation regime in process of decision-making.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Table Grapes Three formal application protocols have been developed for realizing a non-stress strategy during three characteristic periods of vine development: Period 2 – control based on trunk diameter growth rate Period 3 – control based on fruit growth rate Period 4 – control based on maximum daily shrinkage of trunk

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Table Grapes Illustration to the Protocol #1: The trunk diameter growth rate declined during June 11-12. Since June 13, the irrigation rate was increased by 20% and followed by increased growth rate of trunk.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Table Grapes Illustration to the Protocol #2: The fruit diameter growth rate declined during July 11-12. Since July 13, the irrigation rate was increased by 20% and followed by increased growth rate of the fruit.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Table Grapes Illustration to the Protocol #3: The maximum daily shrinkage exceeded the threshold of 0.1 mm on July 24. Since July 25, the irrigation rate was increased by 20% with positive results.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Onion daily growth vs. irrigation and VPD Beit Shean valley, 2004 Onion Mild air conditions, good irrigation Air dryness at night caused developing soil water deficit

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Onion daily growth : day and night Beit Shean valley, 2004 Onion - Daytime growth rate - Nighttime growth rate The bulb growth rate is changing during the day. Usually, the growth rate is higher at nighttime. At nighttime, the growth rate is significantly affected by VPD rather than by irrigation interval. At daytime, the growth rate depends, to a greater extent, on irrigation interval. Thus, the growth rate is more controllable at daytime by irrigation scheduling.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Citrus: Pomelit TRUNK FRUIT SOIL MOISTURE VPD Both trunk and fruit of Citrus trees are very sensitive to water deficit. Developing water deficit was detected since June 12 by retardation of both trunk and fruit growth. Irrigation of June 15 (indicated by blue arrow) brought a considerable relief to the plants

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES 2001 2003 Kibbutz Gat Citrus: Pomelit Acceleration of the fruit growth rate due to resuming normal irrigation rate Substantial inhibition of fruit growth rate, caused by temporary shortage of irrigation water source Due to adjustment of irrigation regime made on the basis of phytomonitoring records, the yield increased from 5.5 t/ha in 2001 to 6.2 t/ha in 2002 and to 7 t/ha in 2003.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Wine Grapes – RDI Post-veraison RDI

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Wine Grapes – RDI

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Wine Grapes – RDI Plot ID Midday SWP Predawn SWP VPD day VPD night Day after irrigation Chardonnay, Odem, - 1.3 - 0.1 2.2 0.3 3 Merlot, Ionatan, - 1.5 - 0.3 2.3 0.4 1 XXXX - 1.0 2.5 0.2 4 YYYY 2.0 0.5 Chardonnay, Odem Merlot XXXX

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Other case studies with registered practical results POMELIT Kibbuz Gat, 2001-2003 Contact: Dani (0528-822195) Significant growth of yield from 55 t/ha 2001 to 70 t/ha 2003 due to adjustment of irrigation regime made with the use of phytomonitoring. Kibbuz Yad Mordrchai, 2003-2004 Contact: Miha (0523-448801) Improved quality of fruits due to control of fruit size for picking at certain date PERSIMMON 2001-2004 Mor Perot Hasharon, Tel-Mond Contact: Timna Shoer, agronomist (0523-578016) Water saving (10-15%) due to adjustment of irrigation regime according to the phytomonitoring evaluation of plant water status. COTTON Gadash Shikma, Kibbuz Mishmar-Hanegev Contact: Igal Flesh, extension service specialist (0506-241578) Development of phytomonitoring-based techniques alternative to manual control techniques used by the growers. POTATO 2002-2003 Gadash Shikma, Kibbuz Yad Mordechai Contact: Ionatan, grower (0522-760138) Improvement of quality due to proper irrigation regime before harvesting according to the desired soil temperature.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Other case studies with registered practical results AVOCADO and MANGO 2000-2004 Zemah Avocado, Kineret Contact: Ami Keinan, agronomist (0505-384866) Optimization of plant water status and fruit growth due to controllability provided by phytomonitoring. WINE GRAPES 2001-2004 Burge Binyamina, Binyamina Contact: Avi Goldshtein, grower (050-5539193) Improved quality and stable good yield due to optimization of irrigation regime made with the use of phytomonitoring. BELL PEPPER Since 2002 Paran, Arava Contact: Aviv Shapiro, grower ( 0523-445538) and Israel Zer, grower (0523-666246 ) Optimization of irrigation in drought conditions and lack of water supply. ROSES 1999-2000 Nir Banim Contact: Inon Strashnov (08-8586885) Improved quality and stable yield. Due to phytomonitoring, the grower was able to instigate effect of thermal screen of plant state and growth and, then, to invest in those facilities.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL CASE STUDIES Other case studies with registered practical results Jordan Valley – app. 40 Users for Avocado. Cover 6,000 Dunam of plantation. Cost using PhyTech and involving consultant app. 250$ per ha. Yield increase in 2004 – app. 35% (resp. to other locations) – app. 6000$ per ha. As a result of using the system and continuing agronomic support – -potential net revenue from increased yield – app. 6000$/ha. - improvement of quality (for export).

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Current Model Application Projects Carrying out in cooperation with the Extension Service Avocado (Israel, over 40 growers) Mango (Israel, over 20 growers) Litchi (Israel, over 20 growers) Persimmon (Israel) Table grapes (Lachish area) Wine grapes (6 vineyards in cooperation with Golan Height Winery) Cotton, olives, citrus, vegetables, etc. (multiple fields in Israel Valley, in cooperation with the local agricultural community) Greenhouse vegetables (The Netherlands, over 70 growers) Avocado (Chile, in cooperation with the Santiago Catholic University) Etc.

Phytech Ltd. – PHYTOMONITORING in CROP GROWTH CONTROL Summary State-of-the-art technology. Commercially existing products. First class scientific team and consulting. Profitable uses.