Plant science articles
Predictive Modeling in Forestry – Light Extinction, LAI, and the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager
Precise and portable scientific devices that can non-destructively and rapidly record complex data in the field are becoming integral to forest research. These tools have miniaturized sophisticated technology for simultaneous data collection and data analysis. Find out how the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager helped forest scientists achieve a breakthrough in producing accurate predictive models for remote imagery… Continue reading…
Hemispherical Photography to Estimate Leaf Area Index in Cotton
Non-destructive hemispherical photography provides a rapid and efficient means of collecting information on several eco-physiological features of plants. Scientists are eager to expand the use of this method to estimate the Leaf Area Index in annual crops. Testing the technique provides answers, but it also raises fresh challenges. A reliable standard tool, such as the CI-110… Continue reading…
Minirhizotron as a Tool to Measure Root Turnover
Fine root turnover is important for the nutrient acquisition of trees and in nutrient cycling for the entire ecosystem. Hence, it is important to understand how elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are influencing root turnover in high altitude forests. Special tools, suited to non-destructive and repeated data collection, are crucial to the success of… Continue reading…
Measuring How Microclimate Affects Turmeric Yield
Turmeric is integrated as an under-canopy cash crop in agroforestry, as it is considered to be tolerant to light shade. The microclimate created by canopy trees differs, so it is important to find which species creates the optimum growing conditions for turmeric. Finding out the amount of light that is transmitted to the under-canopy is… Continue reading…
Photo Friday: Leaf Area in the Alps
The first Photo Friday of the year has arrived! Here’s to a groundbreaking 2021! About the photos: In conjunction with the LECA, PhyloAlps Project and Swiss Federal Research Institute (WSL), Louise Boulangeat measures functional traits throughout the Alps to model ecosystem functioning in order to better understand the link between human activities, biodiversity, and climate… Continue reading…
Cassava Cultivation and the Photosynthesis Process in Drought
To meet the needs of a growing population, society faces the challenge of increasing crop production with reduced resources. This challenge is further complicated by increasingly extreme weather conditions induced by climate change. Even crops such as cassava that are adapted to drought have recorded decreases in yield. In Latin America, a group of scientists… Continue reading…
Rising CO2, Crop Yield, and Leaf Area Measurement
Scientists are trying to work out how to capitalize on the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide to increase crop yield. Leaf area is one of the main morphological features that is affected and is instrumental in influencing carbon assimilation. Though leaves are easily accessible, measurements of leaf area must be precise and non-destructive. New laser-based… Continue reading…
Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency Research
Maximizing photosynthesis is key to increasing food yield and remains one of the top priorities in both the breeding and plant science world. Measuring photosynthesis in crops in field conditions is necessary, and it is, indeed, the ideal way to test new varieties and agricultural practices. However, until recently, difficulty in performing field measurements has… Continue reading…
Estimating the Role of Ectomycorrhiza
The symbiosis between the roots of plants and fungus is considered to be widespread and one of the oldest mutualistic associations. One such association is ectomycorrhiza, which is common among tree species. Their role in the growth, health, and productivity of both natural and commercial ecosystems has only recently begun to be appreciated. Studying the… Continue reading…
Roots, Shoots, and Photosynthesis: Measuring Tree Sapling Response to Drought
Drier and longer summers are taking a toll on trees in temperate regions acclimatized to more rainfall. Therefore, in an attempt to suggest efficient propagation and maintenance practices to match new climate patterns, scientists are studying how various species deal with drought. Advanced analytic tools that can be used consistently in the field are a… Continue reading…
