Modelling hyperspectral- and thermal-based plant traits for the early detection of Phytophthora-induced symptoms in oak decline

Abstract

Abstract Holm oak decline is a complex phenomenon mainly influenced by the presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi and water stress. Plant functional traits (PTs) are altered during the decline process — initially affecting the physiological condition of the plants with non-visual symptoms and subsequently the leaf pigment content and canopy structure — being its quantification critical for the development of scalable detection methods for effective management. This study examines the relationship between spectral-based PTs and oak decline incidence and severity. We evaluate the use of high-resolution hyperspectral and thermal imagery (