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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…

The Importance of Plant Research in 2023

It may sound surprising in this age of accelerating manufacturing, but we need more plant research than ever before. We need to provide food security for a growing population in a changing climate. So novel cropping systems are necessary without harming the environment.  Basic research will improve our understanding of plants to the environment, while… Continue reading…

CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter Live Training

  Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Leaf area data is being used to understand vital plant responses in forestry, agronomy, and environmental research. Join Director of Applied Science Galen George for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter. We have designed this training to… 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…

CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter Live Training

   Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Leaf area data is being used to understand vital plant responses in forestry, agronomy, and environmental research. Join Application Scientist Eric Munoz for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter. We have designed this training to take… 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…

Cacao Undercover: optimizing cacao orchard systems using the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager

Application Scientist Eric Munoz sits down with Agronomy Scientist Rany Agustina Susanti to discuss her research using the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager and what it means for the cacao industry today. About Rany:Rany Agustina Susanti is a former Senior Agronomy Scientist at Mars Inc. and final year PhD student, specializing in cacao physiology at the… Continue reading…

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Canopy Measurement of Urban Green Spaces for Temperature Moderation

In this sub-tropical research study, scientists examined the area and shape of parks, leaf area index, canopy density, and proximity to bodies of water. The study found one feature, above others, to be decisive in the cooling of urban spaces. Let’s dive in and explore their findings. The Experiment Suzhou Industrial Park, the site chosen… Continue reading…

Adaptive Strategies – Leaf Area and Physiological Plasticity in Drought

It is becoming increasingly important for ecologists and agronomists to understand how plants adapt to drought. Natural adaptations, which help a plant withstand changing climate, are now not just of theoretical interest but are also relevant for maintaining and improving agricultural production and ecosystem conservation. Leaf area can be an indicator or strategy for drought… Continue reading…