The Foliar Laser Boost
The use of agrochemicals revolutionized agriculture in the 20th century. However, the methods for delivering these agrochemicals to plants, whether through foliar (leaf) application or soil-based methods, are extremely inefficient. For pesticides, the capture efficiency is less than 5%, and for fertilizers, it's about 50% in the best-case scenario.
Onteko has developed a disruptive technology: by using lasers, it selectively and temporarily removes the wax cuticle of the leaf and applies a patch with the exact dose of substance to achieve 100% utilization and completely eliminate environmental impact.
a) b)
Conceptual illustration of the technique to improve the capture of agrochemicals using light pulses. Although not depicted in the image, the laser system would be coupled with a scanning mirror that rapidly covers the plant surface in a selected pattern. The sprayer would then follow immediately after the laser treatment, applying agrochemicals to the treated area for enhanced absorption
CASE STUDIES
Enhancing Nutrient Uptake in Citrus
Citrus leaves are naturally protected by a wax cuticle, which can hinder the spread of beneficial substances. Recognizing the potential of this technique for other molecules, we set out to demonstrate its effectiveness. Using precise laser treatment, we selectively removed the wax barrier from specific leaf areas, creating an optimal absorption zone. Applying a fluorescent glucose analog to these treated spots showcased our innovation. In a timelapse video spanning 10 minutes, we observed the remarkable diffusion of the fluorescent substance from the treated region. This striking demonstration illustrates our approach's capacity to enhance substance absorption in citrus leaves.
Conceptual illustration of the technique to improve the capture of agrochemicals using light pulses. Although not depicted in the image, the laser system would be coupled with a scanning mirror that rapidly covers the plant surface in a selected pattern. The sprayer would then follow immediately after the laser treatment, applying agrochemicals to the treated area for enhanced absorption
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Demonstration of substance penetration after laser treatment
Citrus leaves are naturally protected by a wax cuticle, which can hinder the spread of beneficial substances. Recognizing the potential of this technique for other molecules, we set out to demonstrate its effectiveness. Using precise laser treatment, we selectively removed the wax barrier from specific leaf areas, creating an optimal absorption zone. Applying a fluorescent glucose analog to these treated spots showcased our innovation. In a timelapse video spanning 10 minutes, we observed the remarkable diffusion of the fluorescent substance from the treated region. This striking demonstration illustrates our approach's capacity to enhance substance absorption in citrus leaves.