Plant science articles
Using the CI‑110 to Monitor Forest Canopy Recovery After Wildfire
Forest canopy recovery is one of the clearest indicators of ecosystem resilience following wildfire. Researchers, land managers, and restoration ecologists all rely on accurate canopy metrics to understand how quickly vegetation structure and function return after disturbance. Measuring forest canopy recovery consistently across time and space has always been a challenge, especially in rugged or… Continue reading…
Measuring Leaf Area Index in Greenhouse Tomatoes with the CI‑202
Leaf area index greenhouse tomatoes is a phrase that comes up often in discussions about crop vigor, light interception, and yield potential. In controlled environments like greenhouses, leaf area index, or LAI, becomes even more important because every management decision influences canopy structure. Growers and researchers need reliable ways to quantify leaf area without slowing… Continue reading…
Assessing Root Growth in Cover Crops Using the CI‑600 In‑Situ Root Imager
Assessing root growth in cover crops is central to understanding how these systems influence soil structure, nutrient cycling, and long-term field performance. While aboveground biomass is easy to observe, the real agronomic value of cover crops often lies below the surface. Root depth, density, and turnover drive water infiltration, carbon inputs, and nitrogen capture. The… Continue reading…
Using the CI‑340 Handheld Photosynthesis System for Drought Stress Trials in Wheat
Drought stress trials in wheat often come down to one core question: how efficiently is the plant still exchanging gas as water becomes limiting? The CI-340 Handheld Photosynthesis System is designed for exactly this type of work. In field plots, greenhouses, and controlled environments, the CI-340 Handheld Photosynthesis System gives researchers direct access to photosynthesis,… Continue reading…
Spectral Leaf Measurements (CI‑710s) for Nutrient Deficiency Detection in Lettuce
Spectral leaf measurements are becoming a practical, field-ready approach for identifying nutrient deficiencies in lettuce before visible symptoms reduce yield or quality. Lettuce responds quickly to changes in nitrogen, magnesium, iron, and other nutrients, and those responses show up in leaf optical properties long before chlorosis or stunting becomes obvious. With the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf… Continue reading…
How Does the Red-to-Far-Red Fluorescence Ratio Reveal Plant Stress?
The red-to-far-red fluorescence ratio is sensitive to changes in environmental and growing conditions; therefore, it can be used as an early indicator of plant stress. Photosynthesis, especially the sensitivity of photosystem II (PS II) to stress, is leveraged while using the ratio. The red-to-far-red ratio has several practical applications in precision agriculture and in developing… Continue reading…
What Is Leaf Area Index and Why Is It Essential for Plant and Climate Research?
Leaf area index (LAI) is one of the most widely used measurements for describing plant canopy structure and interactions with the environment in plant research. LAI is widely used in research because it can upscale crucial leaf physiological processes and is easy to compare across scales and ecosystems. It can be estimated from remote-sensed data… Continue reading…
What Is Root Senescence and Why Does It Matter in Plant Development?
Root senescence is typically an age-related process, although stress can lead to premature root decay. Root senescence occurs through programmed cell death, which is regulated by controls, some specific to roots and some common with leaf senescence. Root senescence occurs at different times across root types, and its progression depends on plant type. Leaf senescence… Continue reading…
CI‑600 Root Imager vs CI‑602 Narrow Gauge Root Imager: Which suits your experiment?
Studying roots in their natural environment pushes researchers to choose tools that reveal underground dynamics without disturbing the system. The CI-600 and CI-602 both capture clear in situ root images, yet they serve different experimental setups. Root imaging supports work on growth rates, branching patterns, seasonal turnover, root longevity and soil interactions. Choosing the right… Continue reading…
CI‑110 Plant Canopy Imager vs Drone‑Based LAI Measurements: Which gives you more for your money?
A plant canopy imager has become a core tool for crop scientists who want quick, reliable leaf area index (LAI) measurements in the field. Many research teams now debate whether handheld canopy instruments or drone-based LAI models offer better value. Both approaches collect important canopy structure data, but they differ in cost, accuracy, workflow, and… Continue reading…
