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Precision Forestry in 2023 – A Revolution in Intensive Management
Precision forestry uses advanced data collection and analysis systems to allow site-specific management of forests. This new approach to forestry is being used to replace the traditional system that has remained unchanged for nearly three centuries. It is relevant for managing monoculture plantations and semi-natural forests for producing goods, such as wood and biomass production,… Continue reading…
Minirhizotron as a Tool to Measure Root Turnover
Fine root turnover is important for the nutrient acquisition of trees and in nutrient cycling for the entire ecosystem. Hence, it is important to understand how elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are influencing root turnover in high altitude forests. Special tools, suited to non-destructive and repeated data collection, are crucial to the success of… Continue reading…
INTERVIEW: Hops in the Heat – Root Imaging and Research on Hops at University of Florida
Plant Physiologist Shinsuke Agehara (University of Florida) sits down with Application Scientist Eric Munoz (CID Bio-Science) to talk about root imaging and growing hops in the subtropics. TRANSCRIPT: Eric: Hi, my name is Eric Munoz. I’m an application scientist here at Felix Instruments, CID Bioscience. Shinsuke: Hi, my name is Shinsuke Agehara. I’m a plant… Continue reading…
Measuring How Microclimate Affects Turmeric Yield
Turmeric is integrated as an under-canopy cash crop in agroforestry, as it is considered to be tolerant to light shade. The microclimate created by canopy trees differs, so it is important to find which species creates the optimum growing conditions for turmeric. Finding out the amount of light that is transmitted to the under-canopy is… Continue reading…
Photo Friday: Leaf Area in the Alps
The first Photo Friday of the year has arrived! Here’s to a groundbreaking 2021! About the photos: In conjunction with the LECA, PhyloAlps Project and Swiss Federal Research Institute (WSL), Louise Boulangeat measures functional traits throughout the Alps to model ecosystem functioning in order to better understand the link between human activities, biodiversity, and climate… Continue reading…
Cassava Cultivation and the Photosynthesis Process in Drought
To meet the needs of a growing population, society faces the challenge of increasing crop production with reduced resources. This challenge is further complicated by increasingly extreme weather conditions induced by climate change. Even crops such as cassava that are adapted to drought have recorded decreases in yield. In Latin America, a group of scientists… Continue reading…
Rising CO2, Crop Yield, and Leaf Area Measurement
Scientists are trying to work out how to capitalize on the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide to increase crop yield. Leaf area is one of the main morphological features that is affected and is instrumental in influencing carbon assimilation. Though leaves are easily accessible, measurements of leaf area must be precise and non-destructive. New laser-based… Continue reading…
New Video: SpectraVue In Action
Join Galen George as he demonstrates our newest instrument for plant stress measurement – the SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer. ATTEND THE SPECTRAVUE LAUNCH WEBINAR Why Commercial Agriculture Should Pay Attention to Leaf Spectroscopy in 2021: 3 Novel Uses for Leaf Spectroscopy in Leafy Greens, Berries and Cut Flowers Dr. Catherine Simpson (Texas Tech University) will talk… Continue reading…
Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency Research
Maximizing photosynthesis is key to increasing food yield and remains one of the top priorities in both the breeding and plant science world. Measuring photosynthesis in crops in field conditions is necessary, and it is, indeed, the ideal way to test new varieties and agricultural practices. However, until recently, difficulty in performing field measurements has… Continue reading…
Estimating the Role of Ectomycorrhiza
The symbiosis between the roots of plants and fungus is considered to be widespread and one of the oldest mutualistic associations. One such association is ectomycorrhiza, which is common among tree species. Their role in the growth, health, and productivity of both natural and commercial ecosystems has only recently begun to be appreciated. Studying the… Continue reading…