Monitoring system for electrical signals in plants in the greenhouse and its applications

We have developed a multi-channel system for simultaneous monitoring of multiple environmental factors and electrical signals in cucumber plants in the greenhouse. The system includes a special sensor, which is both sensitive and reliable for long-term use for collecting electrical signals. In this work, coefficients of variability (CVs), Pearson's coefficient of correlation and intra-class correlation (ICC) procedures were applied to assess the reliability of the recorded signals. The signal amplitudes were reliable with coefficients of variation of less than 7.0% and ICCs of more than 69.3%. Using this system, we have proven that the electrical signals in plants respond to environmental changes under natural conditions in the greenhouse. The system could provide a long-term stable tool to measure and analyze the electrical signals in plants in greenhouses. (C) 2009 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.