The Latest Advances in Photosynthesis Measurement

Photosynthesis Update 2019 Photosynthesis is undoubtedly one of the most important physiological processes on Earth. It is the process by which plants, algae, and bacteria produce food. Photosynthesis makes these organisms the primary producers of the earth, as all other organisms feed on them for their energy source. People depend on this important process for… Continue reading…

Versatile Uses of Leaf Spectral Information

Leaf spectral signatures are non-destructive and are collected with handheld instruments onsite or with remotely sensed imagery. They have applications that range from basic and applied research to the day-to-day management of farms. Leaf spectral information is used to inform decisions for better control over operations to optimize food, fiber, and timber production. Leaf spectral… Continue reading…

How Leaf Reflectance Measures Plant Stress

Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) can be measured remotely to estimate several types of stress and nutrient deficiency in plants. It has been shown that PRI is an indicator of photosynthetic efficiency, which changes when plants face stress. Portable but accurate spectrometers that can make easy and rapid measurements of leaf spectral interactions help in establishing… Continue reading…

Cadmium Toxicity in Plants

Cadmium is a heavy, non-biodegradable metal that is toxic to plants, people, and animals. With increasing pollution and emission of cadmium, its levels in agricultural soils are increasing. The risk to humans is high due to consumption of cadmium-contaminated food. Modern applications of gas analysis and laser measurements are speeding up research in addressing the… Continue reading…

Micronutrient Research Using Leaf Area & Photosynthesis Rates to Improve Crop Yields

With the pressure to increase food production, every agricultural practice that can be optimized for improving crop yield is under scrutiny; therefore, micronutrients, which are important for crop health and growth, are receiving more attention. Agronomists are increasingly studying different treatment methods to establish the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve micronutrient management. There… Continue reading…

Tree, Crop & Plant Stress – A Primer on Abiotic and Biotic Stressors

The natural conditions in which plants and trees grow are neither uniform nor controlled. Many changes or fluctuations, even if they are temporary, can have a negative impact on and stress plants. The factors which can lead to stress can be one of two types: abiotic or biotic. Stress can have serious repercussions on various… Continue reading…

How Stress at Early Stages Affects Plants

Stress is part of life for plants. They could face drought, pests, diseases, and sometimes salinity. If plants are impacted when they are young, they may never fully recover. These common problems, which can adversely affect plant productivity, can be both beneficial and detrimental to people, depending on the species of the plants. This is… Continue reading…

Shedding Light on Photosynthesis: How researchers are using photosynthesis in 2020 + guest researcher Stephanie Wedryk, Director of R&D, RX Green

We had another exciting webinar this week where we reviewed studies about the use of photosynthesis in today’s world! Our guest speaker, Stephanie Wedryk, with RX Green Technologies, also spoke about her specific use of photosynthesis in the Cannabis industry! We loved seeing everyone’s participation during the Q&A session at the end as well and… Continue reading…

Photosynthesis Analysis with the CI-340 [WEBINAR]

In our latest webinar, Application Scientists Katrina Tso and Dennis Fisher, with guest Dr. Olyssa Starry, Assistant Professor of Urban Ecology at Portland State University, explain the many applications of photosynthesis measurement and demonstrate how to use the portable CI-340 Photosynthesis Analysis System.  

Guest Post: Using Plant Science Tools to Monitor and Restore a Native Hawaiian Forest

Mihaela Ryer and her son, Michael Ryer, are using a CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager (our minirhizotron system) and CI-340 Handheld Photosynthesis System to monitor the health of Koa Trees—key plants in their restoration efforts. Native Forest Restoration and Monitoring Project Report #4 November 3rd, 2016 by Mihaela Ryer and Michael Ryer October is known as Ikua in… Continue reading…