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Non-Destructive and Efficient: The Benefits of the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter for Plant Research

Looking to simplify and streamline your plant research data-collection workflow? Look no further than the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter, the non-destructive solution to quick and intuitive leaf area measurements. This state-of-the-art instrument enables researchers to gather essential data for a wide range of applications, including forestry and environmental research, crop production, and plant… Continue reading…

Plant Respiration: Its Importance and Applications

Plant respiration is being studied in increasing depth and scope because of its importance for plants, the global atmosphere, and climate change. Despite intensive research, we still need to learn more about the factors that control the process, especially at larger scales. This ubiquitous process has essential applications in agriculture, climate action, and ecosystem management.… Continue reading…

Chlorophyll Fluorescence: Importance and Applications

Chlorophyll fluorescence occurring in chloroplasts can give vital information about plant processes and status at the cell, leaf, individual, and regional scales. It is possible to measure this physiological phenomenon by a wide range of means, from portable handheld devices to satellite imagery. It is versatile enough to have crucial crop and natural ecosystem management… Continue reading…

Augusto Ohashi - agronomist

Uncovering the Roots of Success: an Agronomist’s Experience Using a Root Imager For Sugar Cane Production in Brazil

Augusto Ohashi, an agronomist and master’s student at the Federal University of São Carlos, was part of a research project to improve sugar cane yield and biofuel efficiency. To gather insights into the impacts of irrigation and fertilization on crop growth and development, Augusto utilized a root imager to non-destructively study the root systems of… Continue reading…

Seven Crucial Applications Of Leaf Area Data

Leaf area data is essential to research as the leaf is the largest plant organ involved in several crucial physiological processes and has maximum environmental interaction. Leaf area directly correlates to photosynthetic capacity, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Plant growth and biomass accumulation can be predicted using leaf area data. This relationship has applications in… Continue reading…

LAI and Nutrient Levels Affect Douglas Fir Regeneration

If people were assured it is not invasive, introduced Douglas fir, which produces quality wood and can survive summer drought, could become a sustainable species for future forestry  A study compared the regeneration of Douglas fir to other tree species in different native forests and under varying environmental conditions. Douglas fir cannot compete with productive… Continue reading…

How the Root System Affects Yield

There is an urgent need to maintain and boost yield, especially as crops face escalating drought and heat stress due to climate change. Therefore, features and functions of the root system that influence the role it plays in providing plants nutrients and water in all kinds of environments are increasingly becoming a focus of crop… Continue reading…

How is Climate Change Affecting Photosynthesis?

The short answer is, it depends. Whether climate change affects photosynthesis and what the effects are, depends on many factors. The effects of climate change on photosynthesis will depend on soil water, nutrient availability, species, and climactic conditions. Plant physiological processes like stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photorespiration moderate climate change effects on photosynthesis. More CO2… Continue reading…

microscopic image of plant stomata

Stomatal Conductance: Functions, Measurement, and Applications

Though a common plant function, much remains unknown about stomatal conductance, especially at larger ecosystem scales while its associated processes like photosynthesis and, to a lesser extent, transpiration, are largely well studied. This research gap is surprising considering that sophisticated tools exist to rapidly and accurately measure stomatal conductance in the field. Modern infrared gas… Continue reading…

The edge of a forest that has been partially clearcut.

How is Human Activity Altering Forest Canopy Dynamics?

Forest disturbance alters microclimate, including light quality and quantity, that can have a far-reaching influence on forest structure and composition. Species need different wavelengths or quality of light for germination. Modulation of light by the canopy influences understory growth. Edge effects favor early succession species. Forests nowadays face unprecedented levels of disturbance from human activity.… Continue reading…