Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of leaves and fruits1

Abstract

Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging provides a powerful, non-invasive tool for investigating leaf photosynthesis under natural conditions. Applications of fluorescence imaging in plant research are increasing rapidly, ranging from basic discoveries to biotechnology. Fluorescence imaging reveals a wide range of internal leaf characteristics, including spatial variations due to differences in physiology, development, nutritional state, pigment distribution, and morphology, and optical properties. Using distinct chlorophyll fluorescence signatures, imaging technology is being used for high throughput mutant screening, as well as early detection of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this chapter we describe the technology and methodology used to image chlorophyll fluorescence and discusses applications that illustrate advantages offered by imaging analysis.