The study introduces an in-soil fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing system that continuously records three-dimensional strain from growing pseudo-roots, enabling non‑destructive monitoring of root architecture. Using two ResNet models, the system predicts root width and depth with over 90% accuracy, and performance improves to 96‑98% after retraining on data from actual corn (Zea mays) roots over a 30‑day period. This prototype demonstrates potential for scalable, real‑time root phenotyping and broader soil environment sensing.

The study investigated unexpected leaf spot symptoms in Psa3‑resistant kiwifruit (Actinidia) germplasm, finding that Psa3 was detectable by qPCR and metabarcoding despite poor culturing. Metabarcoding revealed distinct bacterial community shifts in lesions versus healthy tissue, and whole‑genome sequencing identified diverse Pseudomonas spp. that, while not individually more pathogenic, could enhance Psa3 growth, suggesting pathogenic consortia on resistant hosts.