Work

Microwave scattering signatures for distinguishing healthy and infested date palm trees

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Early detection of pest-infested date palms is vital to prevent pest spread and support agricultural sustainability. By analyzing microwave scattering behavior, specifically radar cross-section (RCS), this work assesses the potential of microwave sensing in identifying healthy versus infested date palms. The trunk is represented as a dielectric cylinder illuminated by a uniform plane wave with both TM[Formula: see text] and TE[Formula: see text] polarizations (with respect to the z-axis). An assessment of dielectric properties in healthy versus infested trees is conducted, along with an analysis of angle-dependent (ϕ) scattering behavior. Results reveal significant differences in the RCS between healthy and infested trees, particularly in the angular ranges of [Formula: see text] for TM[Formula: see text] polarization, and [Formula: see text] for TE[Formula: see text] polarization. The study demonstrates that microwave sensing offers a promising non-invasive tool for early pest detection and effective tree health management, providing a basis for large-scale agricultural monitoring.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-46851-w

Authors: Afshin Moradi, Mohammed M. Bait-Suwailam

Institutions: Kermanshah University of Technology, Sultan Qaboos University

Language: English

Topic: Microwave and Dielectric Measurement Techniques

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690