Rapid insights into stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence
Get a QuoteThe LI-600 is a compact porometer with an optional Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometer that measures stomatal conductance and chlorophyll a fluorescence over the same leaf area. Capable of completing a measurement in seconds, the LI-600 provides the speed and precision required by researchers today.
Stomatal openings regulate the exchange of water vapor and CO2 between a leaf and the air. Stomatal conductance to water (gsw), which responds to light, CO2, temperature, and humidity, among others, is a measure of the degree of stomatal openness and the number of stomata. It is an indicator of a plant’s genetic makeup and physiological response to environmental conditions.
Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence can provide information about the leaf’s quantum efficiency, electron transport rate (ETR), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), as well as an assortment of reactions that collectively protect a leaf when it absorbs excessive light energy.
Combined measurements of stomatal conductance and chlorophyll a fluorescence present a more complete picture of a plant’s physiological state than either technique alone.
Understanding these processes is important to many research applications, including genetic screening, agronomy, plant physiology, ecology, climate change research, and stress tolerance.
The LI-600 brings together numerous innovative technologies to deliver fast, accurate, and dependable measurements in a compact, handheld device.
The LI-600 uses an open flow-through differential measurement for quantifying transpiration (E) and stomatal conductance that enhances its measurement process. First, E is quantified by measuring the flow rate and water vapor mole fraction of air that enters and leaves the chamber. Meanwhile, total conductance to water vapor (gtw) is computed as a function of E and vapor pressures in the leaf and cuvette. Finally, stomatal conductance to water (gsw) is computed as a function of gtw and the boundary layer conductance to water vapor (gbw).
The advantages of the LI-600 measurement flow path include the following:
Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence provide insights into photosynthesis, and, when combined with stomatal conductance, results in a more complete picture of the overall plant physiology and health. In addition to rectangular flashes, the LI-600 supports multiphase flashes (MPF), which can prevent underestimation of Fm’ (Loriaux et al., 2013) and thereby reduce bias in numerous fluorescence parameters.
Loriaux SD, et al. (2013). Closing in on maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence using a single multiphase flash of sub-saturating intensity. Plant Cell Environ 36:1755-1770.
For light-adapted leaves, the LI-600 measures the quantum yield of fluorescence (ΦPSII), or the proportion of light absorbed by PSII used in biochemistry.
Fm’ is maximum fluorescence yield in a light-adapted leaf; Fs is steady-state fluorescence yield in a light-adapted leaf.
For dark-adapted leaves, the LI-600 measures maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), or the maximum proportion of absorbed light that can be used to drive photochemistry.
Fv is variable fluorescence yield in a dark-adapted leaf; Fm is maximum fluorescence yield in dark-adapted leaf; Fo is minimum fluorescence yield in a dark-adapted leaf.
See what Aaron Hogan learned while measuring 40 different tree species with the LI-600 Porometer/ Fluorometer!
Read About His ExperienceThe LI-600 is designed to quickly survey plants under ambient conditions. You can configure the instrument to log a measurement automatically when parameters are stable, or you can log manually with the press of a button.
Watch the LI-600 complete six measurements in 60 seconds.
You can configure the LI-600 with ease – just set a few parameters in the computer software and you are ready to collect data. Each LI-600 can store up to four configurations, making it easy to switch from one protocol to another. You can save numerous configurations on your Mac or PC and share configuration files with colleagues. Configurations are easily loaded from the software onto the device through a USB connection.
Whether you are preparing for measurements, evaluating data files, or verifying the calibration, the computer software presents a simple, intuitive interface that lets you focus on the task at hand.
The instrument display presents you with the information that matters without distractions, so you can keep moving from sample to sample. You can view live data, the most recent measurement, and configuration settings, among others.
While the LI-600 Porometer/Fluorometer is for quickly surveying many plants in ambient conditions, the
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