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Rao X, Barros J. Modeling lignin biosynthesis: a pathway to renewable chemicals. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:546-559. [PMID: 37802691 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Plant biomass contains lignin that can be converted into high-value-added chemicals, fuels, and materials. The precise genetic manipulation of lignin content and composition in plant cells offers substantial environmental and economic benefits. However, the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing lignin formation challenge the development of crops with specific lignin profiles. Mathematical models and computational simulations have recently been employed to gain fundamental understanding of the metabolism of lignin and related phenolic compounds. This review article discusses the strategies used for modeling plant metabolic networks, focusing on the application of mathematical modeling for flux network analysis in monolignol biosynthesis. Furthermore, we highlight how current challenges might be overcome to optimize the use of metabolic modeling approaches for developing lignin-engineered plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Jaime Barros
- Division of Plant Sciences and Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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2
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Blystone S, Nuixe M, Traoré AS, Cochard H, Picon-Cochard C, Pagés G. Towards portable MRI in the plant sciences. PLANT METHODS 2024; 20:31. [PMID: 38369530 PMCID: PMC10874549 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plant physiology and structure are constantly changing according to internal and external factors. The study of plant water dynamics can give information on these changes, as they are linked to numerous plant functions. Currently, most of the methods used to study plant water dynamics are either invasive, destructive, or not easily accessible. Portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a field undergoing rapid expansion and which presents substantial advantages in the plant sciences. MRI permits the non-invasive study of plant water content, flow, structure, stress response, and other physiological processes, as a multitude of information can be obtained using the method, and portable devices make it possible to take these measurements in situ, in a plant's natural environment. In this work, we review the use of such devices applied to plants in climate chambers, greenhouses or in their natural environments. We also compare the use of portable MRI to other methods to obtain the same information and outline its advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannan Blystone
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UR QuaPA, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- INRAE, PROBE research infrastructure, AgroResonance facility, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Magali Nuixe
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UR QuaPA, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- INRAE, PROBE research infrastructure, AgroResonance facility, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UREP, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amidou Sissou Traoré
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UR QuaPA, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- INRAE, PROBE research infrastructure, AgroResonance facility, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Hervé Cochard
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Guilhem Pagés
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, UR QuaPA, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
- INRAE, PROBE research infrastructure, AgroResonance facility, 63122, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
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3
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Ye D, Wu L, Li X, Atoba TO, Wu W, Weng H. A Synthetic Review of Various Dimensions of Non-Destructive Plant Stress Phenotyping. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1698. [PMID: 37111921 PMCID: PMC10146287 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-destructive plant stress phenotyping begins with traditional one-dimensional (1D) spectroscopy, followed by two-dimensional (2D) imaging, three-dimensional (3D) or even temporal-three-dimensional (T-3D), spectral-three-dimensional (S-3D), and temporal-spectral-three-dimensional (TS-3D) phenotyping, all of which are aimed at observing subtle changes in plants under stress. However, a comprehensive review that covers all these dimensional types of phenotyping, ordered in a spatial arrangement from 1D to 3D, as well as temporal and spectral dimensions, is lacking. In this review, we look back to the development of data-acquiring techniques for various dimensions of plant stress phenotyping (1D spectroscopy, 2D imaging, 3D phenotyping), as well as their corresponding data-analyzing pipelines (mathematical analysis, machine learning, or deep learning), and look forward to the trends and challenges of high-performance multi-dimension (integrated spatial, temporal, and spectral) phenotyping demands. We hope this article can serve as a reference for implementing various dimensions of non-destructive plant stress phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Ye
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Libin Wu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Tolulope Opeyemi Atoba
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Wenhao Wu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haiyong Weng
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Sensing Technology, College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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4
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Guzmán E, Fernández MP, Alcalde JA, Contreras S, Raumonen P, Picco L, Montalba C, Tejos C. Phyllotaxis transition over the lifespan of a palm tree using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS): the case of Jubaea chilensis. PLANT METHODS 2022; 18:88. [PMID: 35752854 PMCID: PMC9233369 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00920-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Jubaea chilensis (Molina) Baillon, is a uniquely large palm species endemic to Chile. It is under threatened status despite its use as an ornamental species throughout the world. This research seeks to identify the phyllotaxis of the species based on an original combination of non-destructive data acquisition technologies, namely Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in saplings and young individuals and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in standing specimens, and a novel analysis methodology. RESULTS Two phyllotaxis parameters, parastichy pairs and divergence angle, were determined by analyzing specimens at different developmental stages. Spiral phyllotaxis patterns of J. chilensis progressed in complexity from parastichy pairs (3,2) and (3,5) in juvenile specimens and (5,3), (8,5) and (8,13) for adult specimens. Divergence angle was invariable and averaged 136.9°, close to the golden angle. Phyllotactic pattern changes associated with establishment phase, the adult vegetative and the adult reproductive phases were observed. Both technologies, MRI and TLS proved to be adequate for the proposed analysis. CONCLUSIONS Understanding phyllotactic transitions may assist identification of developmental stages of wild J. chilensis specimens. The proposed methodology may also be useful for the study of other palm species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Guzmán
- Master Program in Natural Resources, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M. Paulina Fernández
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Nacional de Excelencia para la Industria de la Madera (CENAMAD), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro UC de Innovación en Madera, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José-Antonio Alcalde
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samuel Contreras
- Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pasi Raumonen
- Computing Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lorenzo Picco
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Universitá degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristián Montalba
- Biomedical Imaging Center, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Radiology Department, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Tejos
- Biomedical Imaging Center, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering (iHEALTH), Santiago, Chile
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5
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Weithmann G, Link RM, Banzragch BE, Würzberg L, Leuschner C, Schuldt B. Soil water availability and branch age explain variability in xylem safety of European beech in Central Europe. Oecologia 2022; 198:629-644. [PMID: 35212818 PMCID: PMC8956530 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Xylem embolism resistance has been identified as a key trait with a causal relation to drought-induced tree mortality, but not much is known about its intra-specific trait variability (ITV) in dependence on environmental variation. We measured xylem safety and efficiency in 300 European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees across 30 sites in Central Europe, covering a precipitation reduction from 886 to 522 mm year−1. A broad range of variables that might affect embolism resistance in mature trees, including climatic and soil water availability, competition, and branch age, were examined. The average P50 value varied by up to 1 MPa between sites. Neither climatic aridity nor structural variables had a significant influence on P50. However, P50 was less negative for trees with a higher soil water storage capacity, and positively related to branch age, while specific conductivity (Ks) was not significantly associated with either of these variables. The greatest part of the ITV for xylem safety and efficiency was attributed to random variability within populations. We conclude that the influence of site water availability on P50 and Ks is low in European beech, and that the high degree of within-population variability for P50, partly due to variation in branch age, hampers the identification of a clear environmental signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Weithmann
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Roman M Link
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz, 97082, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bat-Enerel Banzragch
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Laura Würzberg
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Leuschner
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL), University of Goettingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- Plant Ecology, Albrecht Von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073, Göttingen, Germany. .,Ecophysiology and Vegetation Ecology, Julius-von-Sachs-Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz, 97082, Würzburg, Germany.
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Trabi CL, Pereira L, Guan X, Miranda MT, Bittencourt PRL, Oliveira RS, Ribeiro RV, Jansen S. A User Manual to Measure Gas Diffusion Kinetics in Plants: Pneumatron Construction, Operation, and Data Analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:633595. [PMID: 34163496 PMCID: PMC8216216 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.633595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The Pneumatron device measures gas diffusion kinetics in the xylem of plants. The device provides an easy, low-cost, and powerful tool for research on plant water relations and gas exchange. Here, we describe in detail how to construct and operate this device to estimate embolism resistance of angiosperm xylem, and how to analyse pneumatic data. Simple and more elaborated ways of constructing a Pneumatron are shown, either using wires, a breadboard, or a printed circuit board. The instrument is based on an open-source hardware and software system, which allows users to operate it in an automated or semi-automated way. A step-by-step manual and a troubleshooting section are provided. An excel spreadsheet and an R-script are also presented for fast and easy data analysis. This manual aims at helping users to avoid common mistakes, such as unstable measurements of the minimum and maximum amount of gas discharged from xylem tissue, which has major consequences for estimating embolism resistance. Major advantages of the Pneumatron device include its automated and accurate measurements of gas diffusion rates, including highly precise measurements of the gas volume in intact, embolised conduits. It is currently unclear if the method can also be applied to woody monocots, gymnosperm species that possess torus-margo pit membranes, or to herbaceous species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciano Pereira
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Center R&D in Ecophysiology and Biophysics, Agronomic Institute (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Xinyi Guan
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marcela T. Miranda
- Center R&D in Ecophysiology and Biophysics, Agronomic Institute (IAC), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael S. Oliveira
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael V. Ribeiro
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Steven Jansen
- Institute of Systematic Botany and Ecology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Nuixe M, Traoré AS, Blystone S, Bonny JM, Falcimagne R, Pagès G, Picon-Cochard C. Circadian Variation of Root Water Status in Three Herbaceous Species Assessed by Portable NMR. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:782. [PMID: 33923406 PMCID: PMC8073897 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Roots are at the core of plant water dynamics. Nonetheless, root morphology and functioning are not easily assessable without destructive approaches. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and particularly low-field NMR (LF-NMR), is an interesting noninvasive method to study water in plants, as measurements can be performed outdoors and independent of sample size. However, as far as we know, there are no reported studies dealing with the water dynamics in plant roots using LF-NMR. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using LF-NMR to characterize root water status and water dynamics non-invasively. To achieve this goal, a proof-of-concept study was designed using well-controlled environmental conditions. NMR and ecophysiological measurements were performed continuously over one week on three herbaceous species grown in rhizotrons. The NMR parameters measured were either the total signal or the transverse relaxation time T2. We observed circadian variations of the total NMR signal in roots and in soil and of the root slow relaxing T2 value. These results were consistent with ecophysiological measurements, especially with the variation of fluxes between daytime and nighttime. This study assessed the feasibility of using LF-NMR to evaluate root water status in herbaceous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Nuixe
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; (M.N.); (S.B.); (J.-M.B.); (G.P.)
- INRAE, ISC AgroResonance, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UREP, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Amidou Sissou Traoré
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; (M.N.); (S.B.); (J.-M.B.); (G.P.)
- INRAE, ISC AgroResonance, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Shannan Blystone
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; (M.N.); (S.B.); (J.-M.B.); (G.P.)
- INRAE, ISC AgroResonance, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UREP, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Jean-Marie Bonny
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; (M.N.); (S.B.); (J.-M.B.); (G.P.)
- INRAE, ISC AgroResonance, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Robert Falcimagne
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UREP, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Guilhem Pagès
- INRAE, UR QuaPA, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France; (M.N.); (S.B.); (J.-M.B.); (G.P.)
- INRAE, ISC AgroResonance, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
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8
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Meixner M, Foerst P, Windt CW. Reduced spatial resolution MRI suffices to image and quantify drought induced embolism formation in trees. PLANT METHODS 2021; 17:38. [PMID: 33823898 PMCID: PMC8025330 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-021-00732-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is uniquely suited to non-invasively and continuously monitor embolism formation in trees. Depending on the MRI method used, quantitative parameter maps of water content and MRI signal relaxation behavior can be generated. The ability to measure dynamic differences in water content and relaxation behavior can be used to detect xylem embolism formation, even if xylem conduits are too small to be spatially resolved. This is especially advantageous when using affordable small-scale low-field MRI scanners. The amount of signal that can be obtained from an object strongly depends on the strength of the magnetic field of the imager's magnet. Imaging at lower resolutions thus would allow to reduce the cost, size and weight of the MRI scanner and to shorten image acquisition times. RESULTS We investigated how much spatial resolution can be sacrificed without losing the ability to monitor embolism formation in coniferous softwood (spruce, Picea abies) and diffuse porous beech (Fagus sylvatica). Saplings of both species were bench dehydrated, while they were continuously imaged at stepwise decreasing spatial resolutions. Imaging was done by means of a small-scale MRI device, utilizing image matrix sizes of 128 × 128, 64 × 64 and 32 × 32 pixels at a constant FOV of 19 and 23 mm, respectively. While images at the lowest resolutions (pixel sizes 0.59 × 0.59 mm and 0.72 × 0.72 mm) were no longer sufficient to resolve finer details of the stem anatomy, they did permit an approximate localization of embolism formation and the generation of accurate vulnerability curves. CONCLUSIONS When using MRI, spatial resolution can be sacrificed without losing the ability to visualize and quantify embolism formation. Imaging at lower spatial resolution to monitor embolism formation has two advantages. Firstly, the acquisition time per image can be reduced dramatically. This enables continuous imaging at high time resolution, which may be beneficial to monitor rapid dynamics of embolism formation. Secondly, if the requirements for spatial resolution are relaxed, much simpler MRI devices can be used. This has the potential to make non-invasive MR imaging of embolism formation much more affordable and more widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Meixner
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Petra Foerst
- Chair of Process Systems Engineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carel W Windt
- IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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9
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Windt CW, Nabel M, Kochs J, Jahnke S, Schurr U. A Mobile NMR Sensor and Relaxometric Method to Non-destructively Monitor Water and Dry Matter Content in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:617768. [PMID: 33613603 PMCID: PMC7892787 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.617768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Water content (WC) and dry matter content (DMC) are some of the most basic parameters to describe plant growth and yield, but are exceptionally difficult to measure non-invasively. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry may fill this methodological gap. It allows non-invasive detection of protons in liquids and solids, and on the basis of these measures, can be used to quantify liquid and dry matter contents of seeds and plants. Unfortunately, most existing NMR relaxometers are large, unwieldy and not suitable to measure intact plants or to be used under field conditions. In addition, currently the appropriate NMR relaxometric methods are poorly suited for non-expert use. We here present a novel approach to overcome these drawbacks. We demonstrate that a basic NMR relaxometer with the capability to accept intact plants, in combination with straightforward NMR and data processing methods, can be used as an NMR plant sensor to continuously, quantitatively and non-invasively monitor changes in WC and DMC. This can be done in vivo, in situ, and with high temporal resolution. The method is validated by showing that measured liquid and solid proton densities accurately reflect WC and DMC of reference samples. The NMR plant sensor is demonstrated in an experimental context by monitoring WC of rice leaves under osmotic stress, and by measuring the dynamics of water and dry matter accumulation during seed filling in a developing wheat ear. It is further demonstrated how the method can be used to estimate leaf water potential on the basis of changes in leaf water content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carel W. Windt
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Moritz Nabel
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Johannes Kochs
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Siegfried Jahnke
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Faculty of Biology Biodiversity, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schurr
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences IBG-2: Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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