A new imaging technique developed by a team of scientists at the University of Cambridge could revolutionize the way we understand the root chemistry of plants. The method, called “Root-Chem-Imaging” (RCI), is a fast and non-invasive way to obtain detailed visual information about the chemical composition of the roots. This could lead to insights into how chemicals interact with each other and how they affect the growth and development of plants, which could be used to improve crop yields and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The team’s findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

The RCI method involves using a series of chemical sensors to measure the concentrations of various compounds in the root system. By analyzing the data, researchers can generate detailed images of the root system and the chemicals it contains. The images show how the chemicals are distributed in the root system, as well as how they interact with each other. The team was able to identify key compounds that affect the growth of the plant, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

The images generated by the RCI method are a huge step forward in our understanding of root chemistry. They provide valuable insights into how different compounds interact with each other and how they affect the growth and development

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source: Phys.org