Apparatus and method for assessing plant stem strength

1. A testing apparatus comprising:

a base;

a support pivotable about a hinge with respect to the base, the support is directly coupled to the base by the hinge;

a contact element adjustably engaged with the support;

a force gauge associated with the contact element; and

a displacement sensor associated with the hinge and configured to detect angular displacement of the support.

2. The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base has a substantially flat lower surface and a plurality of spikes extending downward therefrom.

3. The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base has a notch therethrough.

4. The testing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a first hinged arm and a second hinged arm parallel to each other.

5. The testing apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the contact element is slidable along the first hinged bar and the second hinged bar.

6. The testing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a computer processor and memory in communication with the force gauge and the displacement sensor.

7. A method of determining the flexural rigidity of a plant comprising:

setting a base adjacent the plant base;

adjusting a contact element along a support and aligning the contact element with a stem of the plant;

angularly displacing the support and engaging the stem with the contact element to apply force to the stem;

further comprising determining a height of the contact element from ground;

measuring force data concerning the force applied to the stem;

measuring angular displacement of the support associated with the measured force data; and

determining from the force data and angular displacement the flexural stiffness of the stem.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the base is secured to a surface.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the plant is positioned within a groove in the base.

10. The method of claim 7 , wherein aligning the contact element with the stem of the plant comprises positioning the contact element perpendicular with the stem.

11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the flexural rigidity is correlated with a strength of the plant stem.

12. A method of determining plant stem strength comprising:

engaging the plant stem with a testing apparatus;

detecting force applied to the stem;

displacing the plant stem;

measuring angular displacement of the stem associated with the force; and

determining at least one of flexural rigidity and bending strength of the plant stem.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the testing apparatus is a wearable device.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the testing apparatus is a handheld device.

15. The method of claim 12 , wherein detecting the force applied comprises receiving pressure information from one or more pressure sensors.

16. The method of claim 12 , wherein engaging the plant stem comprises pivoting a contacting element of the testing apparatus.

17. The method of claim 12 , wherein engaging the plant stem comprises engaging a nodal region of the stem.

18. The method of claim 12 , further comprising determining a height of the testing apparatus from ground.