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PlantExplorer XS

Discover the PlantExplorer XS, a state-of-the-art efficiency of photosynthesis sensor designed to provide precise and real-time insights into plant health. The PlantExplorer XS is your go-to tool for accurately measuring plant stress by monitoring photosynthetic efficiency, giving you an early warning system to manage and optimize plant growth conditions effectively.

PlantExplorer XS

Measuring photosynthesis, pigment absorption and morphological parameters.

The PlantExplorer XS is an excellent entry-level model for obtaining objective, photosynthesis-related data for your plant research. This system measures chlorophyll fluorescence, the ratio of absorbed light in the context of chlorophyll, and morphological characteristics. It is ideal for various plant phenotyping purposes, including single plant measurement and imaging well plates. Due to its compact design, it won't take up much space and is easily positioned, making it a versatile tool in any research setting.

Because of our turnkey delivery, you can start working with the systems straight away. Analysis software is included in the system’s purchase.

Click here for video examples of how this software can be used.

 

The XS is able to measure the following: 

1. Photosynthesis efficiency (PAM & OJIP and all related parameters)

2. Pigment absorption (chlorophyll)

3. NDVI

4. Morphology parameters

Plant phenotyping camera system measuring photosynthesis efficiency and morphological parameters for plant analysis.

Specifications

Dimensions 260mm x 260mm x 700mm
Weight 25Kg
Material Aluminum
Voltage 100 - 264 (1P+N+PE)
Watt 600
Imaging size 180mm x 180mm
Maximum plant height 150mm

Unveiling Photosynthetic Efficiency

The PlantExplorer XS is designed as an entry level imaging system to measure Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) and Inductions curve (OJIP) chlorophyll fluorescence in combination with absorption of chlorophyll and morphological parameters.  The PlantExplorer XS has a build in industrial grade computer with 16gb of RAM and 1 Tb of storage.

Key Features

- High resolution camera (5Mp at 10fps and 1.3Mp at 33fps)

- High speed camera (0.4Mp at 350fps and 0.02Mp at 1000fps)

- Measures both PAM and OJIP

- User interface controlled software (no programming needed)

- FREE analysis software

Visualization of photosynthesis efficiency in plants using PhenoVation's phenotyping camera system, displaying varying efficiency levels in a color-coded image.

The science behind our cameras

A graph showing the measuring protocol of PAM used to measure the efficiency of photosynthesis.

PAM

PAM fluorometry is a powerful technique that assesses the efficiency of Photosystem II (PSII) by measuring variable chlorophyll fluorescence. This method provides insights into how light energy is utilized during photosynthesis and other processes.

The process involves using light pulses to analyze fluorescence emitted by chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy. Minimal fluorescence (Fo) is measured when all PSII reaction centers are open, while maximal fluorescence (Fm) is recorded when these centers are closed. The difference between these two measurements, known as variable fluorescence (Fv), indicates the efficiency of PSII.

OJIP

The OJIP curve is an advanced method for analyzing photosynthetic efficiency, providing deeper insights than traditional PAM fluorometry. By measuring additional parameters, the OJIP curve offers a more detailed view of how light energy is used in photosynthesis.

This technique involves capturing the fluorescence emission of chlorophyll in response to a saturating light pulse, creating a curve with four distinct phases: O, J, I, and P. Each phase represents different states of the photosynthetic apparatus, from the initial energy capture to the complete reduction of the electron transport chain.

A graph showing the measuring protocol of OJIP used to measure the efficiency of photosynthesis.
NDVI image of plant health and vigor measured with PhenoVation's plant phenotyping camera system, displaying varying levels of vegetation density in a color-coded format.

NDVI

The PlantExplorer XS enables precise measurement of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). NDVI is determined by imaging the NIR (near-infrared) and RED reflections of a plant. By applying a false color table, we visualize the results: blue indicates low NDVI values, while red signifies high NDVI values.

Alpha

The PlantExplorer XS measures the chlorophyll absorption (alpha) by measuring the reflection at 730nm and 660nm.

This measurement is essential for calculating Electron Transport Rate (ETR), indicating photosynthetic efficiency.



ETR=PAR×Abs×ΦPSII×0.5

Image displaying chlorophyll absorption measurements in plants using PhenoVation's plant phenotyping system, highlighting varying levels of chlorophyll absorption.

Easy integration into automated system

PhenoVation's camera systems seamlessly integrate into automated plant phenotyping setups. Starting with a standalone system? No problem. Our systems can easily transition to automation, saving you from purchasing a new camera for your automated phenotyping needs.

Integrations

Control Software

PhenoVation provides license-free software with regular updates. Our foolproof user interface ensures a plug-and-play experience right out of the box. For advanced users, an expert mode is available to customize protocols and integration times, as well as develop new protocols. The standard interface locks these advanced features to prevent errors by inexperienced users.

Key Features

- Live mode for easy focusing

- Real-time measurement results

- Simple protocol selection

- Save and open predefined protocols

- Barcode scanner integration

- Remote control for users and system integrators

- Auto-record function available


This video demonstrates the boot-up procedure, a PAM dark and ChFl measurement, and a PAM quenching measurement + Absorption done with a PlantExplorer XS

Data analysis software of PhenoVation used in plant phenotyping to analyze images that where made with a multispectral camera system.

For tutorials on using our analysis software, click here.

Analysis software

PhenoVation includes license-free analysis software with all our camera systems. This powerful software supports a wide range of plant phenotyping analyses and operates in a semi-automatic mode for efficient batch data analysis.

Key Features

- User-friendly interface, no programming skills required

- Free and license-free with regular updates

- Calculates averages per plant or region of interest

- Supports well plate imaging up to 1536 wells

- Automated image export

- Customizable background colors and false color scales

- Easily save and open analysis protocols


A man is smiling for the camera and wearing a black shirt.

Do you have a question?

We are here to answer all your questions. Don't hesitate to contact our experts to find out everything about photosynthesis, color imaging and everything in between.

Talk with us!

What do our clients say?

Our references.

We've had the privilege of working with PhenoVation for nearly a decade, and throughout this time, they have consistently proven to be a reliable and valuable partner. Their expertise, dedication, and innovative solutions have been crucial for our success, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.

Dr. David Han (PhenoTrait)

Magdalena
PhenoVation’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in creating our state-of-the-art phenotyping facility. Their involvement goes beyond supplying imaging equipment—they've shaped our entire system.

Magdalena Julkowska (Boyce Thompson Institute)

Reference from Bayer employee
Our collaboration with PhenoVation began over a decade ago with a project to integrate fluorescence sensor technology into a high-end phenotyping platform. This partnership has since grown into a strong and lasting relationship, marked by outstanding support and innovative contributions that have significantly advanced our plant physiology research.

Sina Roth (Bayer)

Quote from Kris Audenaert from Ghent University
Since 2017, we have relied on the Plant Explorer Pro for our scientific research and collaborations with industrial partners. The equipment’s reliability, robustness and high quality have been essential to our work. PhenoVation’s excellent service has ensured that we can always count on the multispectral imaging platform to meet our scientific and operational needs

Prof. Kris Audenaert (Ghent University)

In our 10 years working with PhenoVation, we have found their technology reliable, easy to use, and critical for answering our plant science research questions. The customer service and technical development are top-notch!

Dr. Katie Murphy (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center)

John Doe's Image
Over the years, PhenoVation has been a key partner for us in realizing high throughput automated phenotyping projects. As a system integrator, we team up with specialized companies of various disciplines, the expertise and service of PhenoVation has allowed us to realize beautiful projects.

Michael Meijler WPS

Quote from Noémie De Zutter  from Ghent University
Our advanced phenotyping system ensures a smooth and efficient interaction between the sensor and the plants, delivering unique measurements with user-friendly software. The combination of chlorophyll fluorescence, spectral proxies and GFP-measurements provides highly valuable insights into plant-pathogen interactions. The team at PhenoVation is very approachable and involved, always ensuring a quick and reliable service

Dr. Noémie De Zutter (Ghent University)

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