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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…

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…

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…

Hands manipulating SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer touch screen

Teaching with plant science tools

 Kim Collins and her team at Northport High School have been utilizing the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer to lend a modern, data-driven approach to students’ research projects. In this interview, we dive into how this technology-forward curriculum is empowering the next generation of plant science researchers and explore two unique student-led projects using Spectravue.