Method for installing water potential detectors in plant stems and methods and systems for evaluating crop irrigation condition using thermal imaging

A method for installing a water potential detector in a plant stem comprising the steps of: providing a water potential detector comprising a compartment with an osmoticum therein, the detector being configured for measuring water potential through direct contact with plant tissue adjacent to the vascular conduit of the plant stem via the selective barrier; forming a bore through the plant stem by drilling therein, using a first type of drill bit; smoothening the inner walls of the bore by using a second type of drill bit; inserting the water potential detector into the smoothened bore such that the selective barrier thereof is in direct contact with the stem tissue of the plant; and filling the gap between the water potential detector and the stem tissue with a fluid conducting material. The selective barrier and the drilled inner stem tissue is kept wet throughout the delivery and installation process.