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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…
6 Essential Applications of Leaf Spectrometers
6 Essential Applications of Leaf Spectrometers Leaf spectrometers collect and analyze reflected, transmitted, or absorbed light to provide vital plant information. The parameters measured are chemical concentrations, color analysis, photochemical reactions, optical and physical properties of leaves, and the extinction coefficient of light. These properties are applied on various scales from leaf, and individual… 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…
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…
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.
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…
10 Vital Minirhizotron Applications for Agricultural Research
Minirhizotrons are a recent addition to a scientist’s toolbox, providing information on underground dynamics. Scientists can explore the relationship between roots and shoots along with the cumulative effect on crop yield. Using minirhizotron systems improves our knowledge of root responses to the environment, fertilizers, irrigation, and tillage, enhancing crop water and nutrient use efficiency. Ten… Continue reading…
Hidden Influence: Root system architecture and crop response to nutrition, irrigation, and climate
Continuous in situ root growth monitoring gives researchers a vital window into the hidden influences on what we see above ground. Dive into this in-depth discussion with Dr. Shiwangni Rao and Dr. Elmi Lotze, two prominent researchers digging into the complex relationship between crops, their roots, and their environment.
