New Generation Growth Chamber
Finding methods to easily detect plant stress is of importance to a variety of endeavors ranging from the autonomous
growing of plants in space to terrestrial based green houses. Historically reflectance spectroscopy has been the dominant
method for detecting plant spectra. In this method the reflectance is estimated from knowledge of the spectral content of
the input illumination and measurement of the reflected spectrum off the surface of interest. The shape of the reflectance
spectra can be used to detect plant stress.
Optimization of plant growth under artificial illumination is an important consideration for a variety of purposes.
Artificial illumination is used to grow plants where light is not available and to control and minimize undesirable variations
that can affect plant growth under natural illumination conditions. Several illumination characteristics for plant growth need
to be considered which include the spectral content, irradiance or Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) level, spatial
uniformity and shading potential. Light field spatial uniformity, or the lack of it, affects the growth rate degree of
variability. Discrete light sources such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are being used to replace fluorescent, high pressure
sodium and other conventional lighting fixtures.
The conceived advantages of Current Chamber for Tissue Culture and Plant Propagation:
· Accelerated growth
· Increased uniformity of growing material
· No loss of light
· Reduced contamination
· Enhanced "hardening-off" capabilities
· Time lapse photography/imagery
· Energy efficient
Figure 1: Sphere Design for Plant Experiment at the USDA facility in Poplarville, MS
For more information about this and any other current research, contact us.
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