Hyperspectral insights into photosynthesis and magnesium in wheat leaves

Introduction

Magnesium is crucial for crop growth, but long-term farming without proper magnesium replenishment is leading to widespread deficiencies, which affect key processes like photosynthesis and sugar transport. Early detection of these issues is challenging, as symptoms appear only after internal damage has occurred. This
project uses hyperspectral reflectance, a cutting-edge technology that captures
precise data on plant traits and nutrient levels. By analyzing wheat leaves
under varying magnesium levels, we aim to identify early signs of deficiency,
helping farmers manage nutrient imbalances before they impact yields.

Project description

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential element for crop physiology, growth, and yields. Mg deficiency is becoming a major issue in crop production due to long-term intensive cultivation without adequate Mg fertilization to replenish the soil. Mg plays multiple roles in plant growth, including supporting photosynthesis, sugar transport, and root growth.

Managing Mg deficiency is a critical challenge for growers, as the negative effects often begin in sugar transport, even before visible leaf chlorosis appears. Hyperspectral reflectance analysis is rapid and accurate method of detecting physiological traits and nutrient levels, making it a valuable tool for identifying nutrient deficiencies at early stages.

This project aims to estimate photosynthetic traits and nutrient concentration of wheat leaves under varying Mg levels using hyperspectral reflectance.

Objectives and methods

In this project, we aim to explore how varying magnesium levels influence wheat grown by using hyperspectral reflectance. The experiment will be conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment. We will perform a different kinds of measurements, including morphological leaf traits, hyperspectral reflectance, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence. By analyzing the data, we will establish connections between hyperspectral reflectance patterns and photosynthetic traits, uncovering new insights into plant physiology under magnesium stress.