In situ plant root system analyzer

The growth and development of roots and mycorrhizae are key characteristics of plant growth, and affect terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling processes. Observing the growth and development of root systems is crucial for understanding the performance of plants in natural ecosystems and explaining the dynamic migration processes of water, carbon, and nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems.

The MS-190 in-situ plant root system analyzer adopts the classic micro root window technology, which can observe and study the growth, death, and distribution (root configuration) of roots, mycorrhizae, and even root nodules in situ. The biggest advantage of this system is that it can continuously monitor the change process of a single fine root from birth to death without interfering with the root growth process. It can also record the growth, development, and phenological characteristics of fine roots, root hairs, and even root nodules, By combining professional root analysis software, it is possible to quantify root related indicators, including root length, area, number of root tips, diameter, distribution pattern, number of live and dead roots, etc.

The MS-190 in-situ plant root system analyzer consists of a control unit, high-definition imaging module, high-definition cable, positioning ruler, positioning handle, and power supply module. The system can obtain high-definition images of roots and rhizosphere microorganisms in different seasons, with a resolution of up to 2500dpi. The instrument is sturdy, durable, lightweight, and easy to carry. It is equipped with a "Smucker" positioning handle for precise positioning, and the system is suitable for horizontal, vertical, or inclined installation of micro root canals. The supporting professional image acquisition software can quickly set up, capture images, and name ICAP. The system can adjust the imaging area based on the diameter of the micro root canal. The software has non-linear calibration function, which can eliminate the surface effect of the micro root canal.

System characteristics

360 degree imaging without dead angles; Ultra high resolution, up to 2500dpi;

Fast imaging, less than 1 second, no need for white balance, can efficiently obtain images;

Real time live root imaging, meeting qualitative screening and quantitative research objectives;

Equipped with non-linear calibration function, it can eliminate the surface effect of micro root canals;

 Equipped with a precise and durable positioning system: the classic "Smucker" positioning handle can achieve accurate and fast circular positioning;

12V (3A) power supply system, suitable for fields or greenhouses. Equipped with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery set;

Suitable for various installation angles of micro root canals (horizontal, vertical, or inclined), with an outer diameter of 6 or 7 centimeters and a maximum length of 5 meters;

The image naming follows the ICAP scheme to be compatible with various root analysis software;

Technical parameter

1. Imaging area: 360 degree imaging without dead angles, the software can automatically crop the image into a standard 20mm x 20mm area; Simultaneously equipped with non-linear calibration function, it can eliminate the surface effect of micro root canals.

2. Microroot canal specifications: outer diameter 70mm, inner diameter 64mm, wall thickness 3mm; Length is 100cm or 200cm (customized);

3. Microroot canal material: Imported PMMA material, with a transmittance of 92% (<0.05% absorption within the visible light range; @ 3 mm thickness)

Refractive index 1.491; Tensile strength 110 MPa (-40 ° C); 72 MPa (30 ° C)

4. Image resolution and format: 2500dpi; 8 million pixels (3280 x 2464 pixels); JPG format;

5. Imaging speed: ＜ 1 second per image; No need for white balance, can efficiently obtain images;

6. Image naming: Follow ICAP naming rules; Contains information such as file name, root canal number, location, date, time, atlas number, and collector

7. Lighting source: Two rows of 3W tassel LED tubes, each with an intensity of 160-230 lumens, adjustable by software;

8. Control unit: ThinkPad laptop with factory configured pre installed VSI-ICAP control software, compliant with EU and Chinese product certifications; Windows 10 operating system; Memory 8GB; Storage (256GB SSD); Software control for operation, programmatic experimentation and image acquisition (including date and location), ICAP naming scheme, adjustable batch or single image size;

9. Image output: USB interface;

10. Connection cable: HDMI high-definition cable, standard configuration of 1.8 meters, can be extended to 7 meters;

11. Power supply module: 12V (3A) power supply and universal charger, equipped with built-in rechargeable lithium battery set; Can work continuously in the field for more than 10 hours

12. Imaging module: Aluminum shell, anodized, 170mm long, 62mm diameter, weighing 420g;

13. Positioning ruler: aluminum, with a standard distance of 20mm for positioning holes; Up to 5 consecutive positioning scales can be connected

14. Positioning handle: The classic "Smucker" positioning handle can achieve accurate and fast circular positioning

Basic configuration

Basic configuration: host control unit, control computer (pre installed VSI I-CAP control software); High definition imaging module with HDMI interface, 1.8-meter HDMI high-definition cable, 1.2-meter and 0.8-meter long positioning ruler, positioning handle, external power supply module, 10 imported micro root canals; Root image analysis software.

Optional: Extended handle kit, up to 5 meters in length; Built in rechargeable battery kit; WinRHIZO Tron professional root system software

Origin and manufacturer: Austria VSI