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The 10 most-cited Studies on Root Research in 2022

Roots are vital for resource acquisition and transport, determining plant growth, ability to withstand stress, and biomass accumulation. However, roots can also be affected by the environment and soil flora and fauna. Being underground, the root system, the “hidden half of plants,” has only lately been studied in detail after the development of modern tools… 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…

Scientist uses a leaf spectrometer to measuring spinach leaves in a lab

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…

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.

Image of a person inserting a CID Bio-Science minirhizotron into a root tube.

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…

man stands measuring water height in a wetland environment

Using Minirhizotrons in Wetland Studies

Understanding underground carbon fluxes in wetlands has been challenging since the standard methods have primarily been destructive. Non-destructive minirhizotrons were tested as a possible solution to studying underground dynamics. Minirhizotron installation, anchorage, image capture and analysis, and data upscaling recommendations are made to meet the needs of the unique environment of wetlands. A Methodological Framework… 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…