Laboratory Equipment

Our lab utilizes the Digital Flame Analyzer for precise quantification of mineral elements such as sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in plant tissue samples. This instrument operates on the principle of flame photometry, where a sample solution is aspirated into a controlled flame, and the emitted light intensity at specific wavelengths is measured to determine ion concentration.

To measure NIST-calibrated solar and artificial-light spectral irradiance across 300-1100 nm and 300-1700 nm, respectively, with real time UV-VIS-NIR coverage. These field ready systems integrate BLACK Comet and RED Wave spectrometers and include SpectraWiz software, battery operation, and USB connectivity for turfgrass and horticultural applications.

To assess plant photosynthetic performance and stress responses through chlorophyll-fluorescence measurements. This portable system measures parameters including maximum PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield [Y(II)], electron transport rate, non-photochemical quenching, rapid light-response curves and Strasser OJIP transients. Its fiber-optic probe, touchscreen interface, rechargeable battery, and USB/SD data storage support advanced physiological studies of drought, heat, salinity, flooding, and other environmental stresses in turfgrasses and crop species under laboratory and field conditions.

To perform high-throughput UV–visible absorbance measurements for nucleic acid and protein quantification, enzyme assays, metabolite analysis and other colorimetric applications. This filter-free system provides wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm in 1-nm increments and supports 6- to 384-well microplates, cuvettes and microvolume samples. Its touchscreen interface, temperature control, plate-shaking functions and Gen5 software enable endpoint, kinetic and spectral-scanning assays for molecular, biochemical, turfgrass research.

To measure light absorbance and transmission for quantitative and spectral analysis of biological and chemical samples. Its double-beam optical design, xenon flash lamp and silicon photodiode detectors support accurate measurements across the UV–visible region and into the near-infrared range up to 1100 nm. The system enables wavelength scanning, fixed-wavelength analysis, quantitative assays and kinetic measurements for applications such as chlorophyll and pigment determination, antioxidant and metabolite assays, enzyme activity measurements, and DNA, RNA and protein quantification in turfgrass research.

To determine the osmolality and osmotic potential of plant sap, tissue extracts and other biological solutions using vapor-pressure depression. The instrument requires only a small sample volume, typically about 10 µL and provides measurements in approximately 90 seconds. It is particularly useful for evaluating osmotic adjustment, solute accumulation, plant water relations and physiological responses to drought, salinity, heat and other environmental stresses in turfgrass research.

To measure leaf and stem water potential as an indicator of plant water status and drought stress. An excised leaf or shoot is sealed inside the chamber with its cut end exposed and compressed gas is gradually applied until xylem sap appears at the cut surface. The balancing pressure provides an estimate of the tension within the plant’s xylem. This instrument is useful for evaluating drought tolerance, plant hydraulic responses, irrigation requirements and water-use strategies in turfgrasses under field and controlled-environment conditions.

To measure plant leaf gas exchange and evaluate photosynthetic responses under field and controlled-environment conditions. The system measures net photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, vapor-pressure deficit and water-use efficiency while allowing precise control of CO₂, humidity, leaf temperature and light intensity. It can also generate rapid CO₂-response (A/Cᵢ) and light-response curves and, with an optional fluorescence module, simultaneously measure chlorophyll fluorescence. Its portable design and rapid measurement capability support physiological assessment of drought, heat, salinity, flooding and other environmental stresses in turfgrasses, crops and horticultural species.