Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a cutting-edge scientific tool that, for the first time, enables the monitoring of microscopic stomatal movement in plant leaves and the measurement of gas exchange with them in real-time, while providing precise control over environmental conditions. The study, published in the journal 'Plant Physiology', introduces a new system named 'Stomata In-Site,' aimed at solving a long-standing puzzle in plant physiology: the difficulty of simultaneously and accurately observing stomatal behavior and measuring its function. Stomata, which are microscopic pores on the leaf surface, are a fundamental element in plant life, allowing carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis to enter, while simultaneously leading to water loss in the form of vapor. This delicate balance presents a constant challenge for plants, especially in dry environments. Researchers explained that previous technologies forced scientists to choose between observing stomatal shape and measuring the volume of exchanged gases, and most did not allow for the control of factors like light, temperature, and humidity, despite stomata's rapid response to these variables. The 'Stomata In-Site' system combines three advanced technologies into a single platform: a 3D laser scanning confocal microscope to track cell movement without damaging them, high-precision instruments to measure the flow of carbon dioxide and water vapor, and an environmental chamber that allows researchers to simulate various natural conditions. According to Sputnik, scientists believe this development opens up broad prospects for improving agricultural crops by gaining a more precise understanding of the mechanisms that control the opening and closing of stomata and their relationship to their number on a single leaf. This knowledge can contribute to developing plants that are more efficient in water use, a critical factor in combating drought, ensuring food security, and producing biofuel in the future. The research team noted that water remains the most limiting environmental factor for global agricultural production, making this type of research of strategic importance. The system was developed by Joseph D. Crawford, Dustin Mayfield-Jones, Glenn A. Fry, Nicholas Hernandez, and Andrew D. Bee.
