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Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2010 Publication Date: 3/1/2010 Citation: Bowman, K.D. 2010. Longevity of radiofrequency identification device microchips in citrus trees. HortScience. 45(3):451-452. Interpretive Summary: Tiny radio frequency microchips only a little bit larger than a grain of rice were implanted into citrus trees as a method of providing unique long-term identification tags for horticultural research. This report documents that, in most cases, these tiny microchips continued to operate properly for at least 5 years after implantation and did not have any measurable effect on tree health or growth. These tiny microchips appear valuable for long-term identification of citrus and other woody plant species. Technical Abstract: Long-term identification of individual plants in the field is an important part of many types of botanical and horticultural research. In a previous report, we described methods for using implanted radiofrequency (RFID) microchips to tag citrus trees for field research. This report provides an update on the RFID technology for use in plants, the effect of implanted chips on long-term plant growth, and survival of the microchips over time. The microchips were found to have no significant effect on plant health and growth, and most microchips continued to work well through the first 5.5 years after implantation. RFID microchips appear useful for long-term tagging of citrus and other woody plant species. |
