Plant science articles

Leaf Spectroscopy
The Vast Applications for Spectroscopy in Plant Research Spectroscopy is a precise and non-destructive technique that can tell us about several processes going on in plants and trees. After being integrated into small handheld devices, it can provide instant and accurate results in the field, forests, and laboratories. It replaces several conventional methods, which were… Continue reading…
Detecting Plant Root Diseases & Pests
Early detection means early root disease control Soil-borne pests and diseases are harder to detect than those on the aerial parts of a plant. Visible symptoms in leaves and stem appear only in the final stages of the attacks. If plants are treated at this point, it may be difficult to avoid plant injury, as… Continue reading…
Versatile Uses of Leaf Spectral Information
Leaf spectral signatures are non-destructive and are collected with handheld instruments onsite or with remotely sensed imagery. They have applications that range from basic and applied research to the day-to-day management of farms. Leaf spectral information is used to inform decisions for better control over operations to optimize food, fiber, and timber production. Leaf spectral… Continue reading…
How Leaf Reflectance Measures Plant Stress
Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) can be measured remotely to estimate several types of stress and nutrient deficiency in plants. It has been shown that PRI is an indicator of photosynthetic efficiency, which changes when plants face stress. Portable but accurate spectrometers that can make easy and rapid measurements of leaf spectral interactions help in establishing… Continue reading…
Spectral Data and Thermotolerance in Plants
Thermotolerance can be studied by the variation in photosynthesis in response to environmental factors. Chlorophyll fluorescence has emerged as an important method of determining plant photosynthetic rates, as it is non-destructive, rapid, and accurate. With the help of small portable devices, scientists have been able to find the amazing strategies plants have developed to tolerate… Continue reading…
Cadmium Toxicity in Plants
Cadmium is a heavy, non-biodegradable metal that is toxic to plants, people, and animals. With increasing pollution and emission of cadmium, its levels in agricultural soils are increasing. The risk to humans is high due to consumption of cadmium-contaminated food. Modern applications of gas analysis and laser measurements are speeding up research in addressing the… Continue reading…
Leaf Area – How & Why Measuring Leaf Area is Vital to Plant Research
What is Leaf Area? It is easy to measure leaves, and they are also the parts of a plant most responsive to their environment. The combination of these two factors makes leaf area measurement extremely useful to scientists and growers. Besides, leaves are one of the main plant organs and are responsible for the productivity of… Continue reading…
Micronutrient Research Using Leaf Area & Photosynthesis Rates to Improve Crop Yields
With the pressure to increase food production, every agricultural practice that can be optimized for improving crop yield is under scrutiny; therefore, micronutrients, which are important for crop health and growth, are receiving more attention. Agronomists are increasingly studying different treatment methods to establish the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve micronutrient management. There… Continue reading…
Intro to Precision Forestry
Precision Forestry Improves Goods & Services Never before has the interest in preserving natural forests and efficient management of plantations been as great as the present. Demand for wood products is increasing. On the other hand, it is also evident that the remaining forests have to be protected to maintain our quality of life—the very… Continue reading…
Tree, Crop & Plant Stress – A Primer on Abiotic and Biotic Stressors
The natural conditions in which plants and trees grow are neither uniform nor controlled. Many changes or fluctuations, even if they are temporary, can have a negative impact on and stress plants. The factors which can lead to stress can be one of two types: abiotic or biotic. Stress can have serious repercussions on various… Continue reading…