Plant science articles

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man stands measuring water height in a wetland environment

Using Minirhizotrons in Wetland Studies

Understanding underground carbon fluxes in wetlands has been challenging since the standard methods have primarily been destructive. Non-destructive minirhizotrons were tested as a possible solution to studying underground dynamics. Minirhizotron installation, anchorage, image capture and analysis, and data upscaling recommendations are made to meet the needs of the unique environment of wetlands. A Methodological Framework… Continue reading…

Transpiration, Evapotranspiration, and Leaf Area Index

Increasing evapotranspiration due to global warming is changing the climate. Yet global estimates of transpiration, its major component, are not definite. Global transpiration estimates vary due to different methodologies, approaches, and scales. Including field data in global-scale models is crucial for accurately determining transpiration. Leaf Area Index is an excellent proxy for calculating transpiration by… Continue reading…

5 Ways to Improve Water Use Efficiency

Improving water use efficiency, the ratio of yield to water supplied can boost food production for a growing population without additional use of limited water resources. Water use efficiency for food production can be improved at the farm or plant level. On farms, this can be achieved through optimized management. At the plant level, improvements… Continue reading…

WEBINAR RECORDING: SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer Live Training

Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Leaf spectral data is being used to understand vital plant stress attributes in crop optimization, forest productivity, and environmental research. Join Director of Applied Science Galen George for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer. We have designed this training to… Continue reading…

Testing the Effects of Light Quality on Red Lettuce

Health-conscious consumers increasingly demand nutritious, high-quality food, causing stakeholders to closely monitor the bio composition of food products. Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties are some of the most sought-after nutraceuticals.  Phytochemical levels can be, in large part, determined by light quality, which is necessary for crop productivity. Therefore, a study wanted to find what effect light-filtering… Continue reading…

Precision Agriculture Policy & Adoption Outlook 2023

Precision agriculture is being branded as Agriculture 4 – the next revolution to make food production more profitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. Even though its adoption is uneven, the use of precision agriculture has been increasing consistently for the last several years. This article will review precision agriculture technologies, their adoption, and how precision agriculture… Continue reading…

LAI Modeling to Improve Kiwifruit Orchard Management

This recent study combines many firsts to guide the management of kiwifruit orchards through precision agriculture. By focusing on leaf area index, choosing a precise estimation tool, the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager, and including important textural information, the scientists aimed to discover and improve model prediction for monitoring growth and yield estimation in kiwifruit orchards.… Continue reading…

WEBINAR RECORDING: Plant Canopy Imager Live Training

Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Plant canopy data is used extensively in crop optimization, forest productivity, and environmental research. Join Director of Applied Science Galen George for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager. We have designed this training to take you and your team from first use to a high level… Continue reading…

Agronomist examining damaged corn leaf , Corn leaves attacked by worms in maize field.

Guide to Plant and Crop Stress | Updated for 2023

Crop Stressors Stresses can harm plants, so crops either avoid or tolerate stress. Plants avoid stress through evolution over long periods. While stress tolerance is a short-term response regulated by genes to change plant biochemistry and metabolism. In agriculture, researchers develop new genotypes to either avoid or tolerate stress. Crops face two kinds of stresses… Continue reading…

3d rendering of green line chart isolated on white background.

What Factors Affect Biomass Accumulation in Plants?

What is Biomass Accumulation? Biomass accumulation is often confused with productivity. Hence it is important to make a distinction between the two processes. Productivity is the result of photosynthesis. It is measured by photosynthetic rate and by considering the factors that affect it. Biomass accumulation is the change in biomass over time per unit area.… Continue reading…