Semi-embedded flexible multifunctional sensor for on-site continuous monitoring of plant microclimate

The excellent stretchability and biocompatibility of flexible sensors have inspired an emerging field of plant wearables that enable intimate contact with plants to monitor growth status and local microclimate in real-time continuously. Flexible plant wearables provide a promising platform for the development of plant phenotypes. In this work, we have fabricated several plant wearables that can harmlessly and continuously monitor leaf temperature/humidity, which are critical parameters for analyzing the physiological status and microclimate of plants. Credited to the unique semi-embedded design and the selected biocompatible materials, we achieve ultrathin sensors with a conductive layer thickness of 7 μm, exhibiting excellent electrical conductivity with 9.43 × 106 S/m, bendability and fatigue resistance with 0.99 % change rate after 10,000 cyclic bending tests, enabling on-site and non-destructive testing. These plant wearables can be used as a non-invasive, high-throughput, low-cost toolbox with excellent potential for phenotypic analysis.