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| Home > Publications database > A mobile NMR sensor to nondestructively monitor the dynamics of water and dry matter content in leaves, stems and developing seeds. 2nd Workshop Carbon Allocation in Plants |
| Home > Publications database > A mobile NMR sensor to nondestructively monitor the dynamics of water and dry matter content in leaves, stems and developing seeds. 2nd Workshop Carbon Allocation in Plants |
| Conference Presentation (After Call) | FZJ-2023-05062 |
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2023
Abstract: Plant biomass in terms of fresh weight, and the accumulation, distribution and deposition of carbon throughout the plant, are some of the most important determinants of plant function and yield. These parameters however are exceptionally difficult to measure non-invasively. Consequently, little is known about the dynamics of carbon deposition and remobilization in transient and terminal sinks. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry may fill this methodological gap. It allows non-invasive detection of protons in liquids and solids, and based on these measures, can be used to monitor and quantify the liquid and dry matter content of fruit, grains and plants. Unfortunately, most existing NMR relaxometers are large, unwieldy, and not at all suitable to measure intact plants. In addition, current NMR relaxometric methods are ill suited for non-expert use.In this contribution we present a novel approach to overcome these drawbacks. We demonstrate a basic NMR relaxometer with the capability to accept intact plants. This device was built in-house, and recent hardware developments are making it increasingly easy and affordable to build similar devices. In combination with straightforward data processing, the NMR sensor can be used to continuously, quantitatively and non-invasively monitor changes in water and dry matter content. This can be done in vivo, in situ, and with high temporal resolution. We demonstrate the utility of the NMR plant sensor in an experimental context by monitoring water content of leaves of intact plants exposed to drought or osmotic stimuli, and by monitoring grain filling in grain crops such as wheat, barley and common bean. While the NMR sensor does not measure flow directly, it does allow measurements of the net result of flow. It thus enables detailed analysis of the distribution of water inside the plant, as well as the carbohydrate source-sink relationships within the plant. We further demonstrate how, based on dynamic changes in leaf water content as measured by the NMR sensor, plant leaf water potential can be monitored, non-invasively and with a time resolution of minutes.
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