‘Pink Floyd’, cauliflowers and everything else you need toknow about hyperspectral technology and plant stress

Abstract

Light and electromagnetic radiation possess properties that allow it to interact with matter. By using hyperspectral technology that measures electromagnetic radiation and therefore its interaction with matter, we can infer things about the quality of the matter. This technique can be and is being applied in the field of agriculture. This article provides an introduction to electromagnetic radiation, measuring it with hyperspectral technology and how the technique is used in  agriculture for the detection of plant stress and the consequent sustainable management thereof.  Importantly, it is intended to be entertaining and easy-to-read, particularly for those who do not have extensive backgrounds in the fields of physics and remote sensing.