Growth Sphere for Optical Measurements in Plants

Abstract

A precise measurement in plants is necessary to know in detail the functions and processes of these living beings, which are a fundamental part for the development of life on the planet. The optimal growth conditions for any plant generated in a controlled atmosphere are very helpful to make measurements of the variable that may be the highest hierarchy: light. This paper describes the design of a growth sphere for optical measurements in plants (GSOMP), which fulfills two primary functions; generate the optimal conditions for the growth of the plant during its whole life cycle and perform incident light absorption measurements taking advantage of the geometric shape (spherical) and the coating of the device surface, so it is possible to obtain the light absorption spectrum in each phenological stage of any plant. Due to the aforementioned, this device is unique and represents a very useful option for research and experimentation in vegetables.