The CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer: A Researcher’s Perspective

In a recent discussion with Scott Trimble, Vice President of Marketing for Felix Instruments, researchers Saroj Burlakoti and Anju Chaudhary from Utah State University shared their experiences using the CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer. The conversation highlighted the instrument’s critical role in their research, focusing on ornamental plants, water conservation, and fertilizer reduction. This article summarizes the key points from the discussion, showcasing the benefits of using the CI-710s in their work.

Instrument Use and Applications

Saroj Burlakoti, a PhD student at Utah State University, began using the CI-710s shortly after his advisor acquired it in 2022. His research focuses on ornamental plants, particularly in greenhouse and field settings. The CI-710s has been instrumental in his studies, allowing him to measure key parameters such as NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), SPAD (chlorophyll content), CCI (Chlorophyll Concentration Index), and greenness. These metrics are crucial for evaluating plant health and the effectiveness of various treatments.

Burlakoti emphasized the convenience and speed of the CI-710s compared to other devices he had used. He noted that the instrument’s ability to capture multiple parameters with a single leaf clamp was particularly valuable. This efficiency was critical for his work, as he needed to gather data from multiple treatments and replications quickly. For example, in one study, he monitored the effects of different irrigation levels on ornamental plants. The CI-710s provided precise data, confirming visual observations and enabling more rigorous statistical analysis.

Anju Chaudhary, another researcher from the same lab, echoed Burlakoti’s positive sentiments. Her work also involves water conservation in ornamental plants, specifically focusing on daily light integrals (DLI). By using the CI-710s, Chaudhary was able to quantify the effects of different shade cloths on plant water use efficiency. The instrument’s measurements, such as SPAD and NDVI, helped her demonstrate that reducing DLI could save water without compromising plant health. She also used the CI-710s to study the impact of different colored shade cloths on flower color intensity, further showcasing the instrument’s versatility.

Benefits and Features

Both researchers appreciated the CI-710s for its user-friendly design and comprehensive data output. They found the device particularly handy for measuring various plant parameters in both greenhouse and field settings. The ability to collect data quickly and accurately was a significant advantage, allowing them to focus on analysis and interpretation.

Chaudhary highlighted how the CI-710s helped in quantifying plant health, which is often difficult to assess visually. She explained that while plants might look similar under different conditions, the CI-710s provided concrete data to reveal subtle differences. This capability was crucial for her research on water conservation, where small variations in DLI could significantly impact water usage.

Future Plans with the CI-710s

Both Burlakoti and Chaudhary have plans to expand their use of the CI-710s in future research projects. Burlakoti intends to apply the instrument in an upcoming study on ornamental pines, exploring their cooling capacity in different regions. He plans to measure various physiological parameters under different environmental conditions, such as temperature and water availability, to understand better how these plants can be used in landscaping for climate mitigation.

Chaudhary, on the other hand, is exploring the effects of different colored shade cloths on ornamental plants. She aims to investigate whether the color of the shade cloth can influence plant growth and water use efficiency. Using the CI-710s, she plans to measure the intensity of flower colors and other physiological parameters to determine the most effective shade cloth color for conserving water while maintaining plant health and aesthetic quality.

Conclusion

The CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer has proven to be a powerful instrument for researchers at Utah State University. Its ability to measure multiple parameters quickly and accurately has made it an essential tool in studies involving plant health, water conservation, and fertilizer efficiency. The researchers’ future plans highlight the instrument’s versatility and potential for further applications in agricultural research. The insights gained from this discussion underscore the importance of advanced tools like the CI-710s in advancing scientific understanding and practical applications in horticulture and beyond.