The development of chlorophyll-a fluorescence (ChlF) assays represents a potentially valuable new way to study the photochemical efficiency of leaves. CD BioSciences is committed to developing efficient ChlF technology and helping customers expand the potential utilization of this innovative methodology, particularly for crop phenotyping and monitoring.

Introduction

In the natural environment, plants are subject to many adverse biotic/abiotic stresses, which will affect photosynthesis, resulting in a significant decline in plant productivity and total yield. The high sensitivity of photosynthesis to environmental limitations makes photosynthesis measurements an important part of plant stress research. Recent studies have shown that ChlF measurements can be used as a simple, non-destructive, and rapid method to analyze light-dependent photosynthetic responses and assess chlorophyll content in the same sample tissue, thereby improving global agricultural productivity models and enhancing the reliability of crop yield predictions in the context of climate change.

ChlF measurements represent a more time-efficient tool than gas exchange measurements and can provide more complete information about the overall photosynthetic function. In addition, this analysis helps researchers obtain indirect information about plant physiological conditions and cooperative information about non-light-dependent biochemical reactions and light-dependent photochemical reactions. In general, the multiple technical advantages of the ChlF method are making it an increasingly powerful tool for plant breeding, environmental and ecological research.

Fig.1 A typical Chlorophyll a polyphasic fluorescence curve, exhibited by plants. (Kalaji, 2016)

Our Biophysical Analysis Services

• We primarily use Imaging-PAMs for ChlF measurements to help our customers determine the spatial distribution of photosynthetic parameters such as linear electron flux over leaf area. We provide high-resolution images of leaf areas or an overview of photosynthesis in whole leaves or even whole plants.
• We couple Imaging-PAMs with gas exchange systems to perform fluorescence imaging measurements with full control of environmental parameters such as humidity, temperature, O₂ and CO₂. In addition, we offer leaf absorbance measurements for data normalization as part of the service measurements.

Applications

• Analysis of polyphasic chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics
• Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetic parameters under different abiotic stresses

Advantages of Our Services

• Advanced biophysical analysis platform
• Vast experience and solid technical strength
• Visualizing data
• Highly customized comprehensive services

CD BioSciences is focused on developing cutting-edge biophysical assays to provide a wide range of scientific services to our customers. The ChlF assay we have developed enables researchers to obtain information about the photosynthesis process without destroying the test sample. If you need services in the related field, please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Kalaji, H. M.; et al. Chlorophyll a fluorescence as a tool to monitor physiological status of plants under abiotic stress conditions. Acta physiologiae plantarum. 2016, 38(4): 1-11.

• Measurement of Gas Exchange