Horticultural Engineering

In the thylacoid membranes of the chloroplasts of photosynthetic plant organs, the chlorophyll molecules are incorporated into several protein complexes of the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

Energy conversion  under:

normal conditions

The absorbed light energy is primarily converted into biochemical energy (ATP, NADPH/H+). Only less than 3% is re-emitted as fluorescence.

stress

The photosynthetic energy use is inhibited and photoprotective mechanisms are activated ( energy dissipation as heat). Emission of fluorescence increases largely.

This non-invasive and non-destructive method can be made much more effective by application of the chlorophyll fluorescence image analysis. Activity gradients within a product or temporal and spatial dynamics in the plants' responses can be visualised and misinterpretations can be avoided.

Lichtenthaler at al. 1996

Measurement of physilogical activity (internal quality) of packed products

Sorting for ripeness and injuries

Process optimisation, for example non-destructive heat treatments, by investigation of heat stress reactions

Studies of the dynamics of herbicide effect

Soukupova at al. 2002

Early diagnosis of fungal attack

Investigation of drought stress reactions (tolerance tests)

Visualisation of mechanical injuries and senescence