A multiband video system for quick assessment of vegetal condition and discrimination of plant species

This paper describes the use of an inexpensive multiband video system that provides narrowband imagery within the visible/near-infrared region for assessment of vegetal condition and discrimination of plant species. The system provides adequate quality imagery which is immediately available for assessment. Vegetative stress or species differences were more apparent in some narrowband images than others, with no band always best. Images of a citrus orchard, for example, showed that grapefruit ( Citrus paradisi Macf.) and orange [ Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees had greater differences between them in the yellow-green band than in any of the other bands. Image results suggested that this multiband video system can be a versatile and effective tool for field research studies and some general applications.