Plantanalyses

Plantanalyses is a multidisciplinary field focused on the study and measurement of plants and plant-derived materials to determine composition, physiology, and environmental interactions. It integrates chemical, physical, biochemical, and molecular methods to investigate plant systems in research and applied contexts.

Analyses may be performed on tissues (leaves, stems, roots, seeds), fluids (sap, extracts), or whole organisms. They support research and practical applications in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, pharmacology, and ecosystem monitoring. Plantanalyses informs both basic science and practical decision-making in crop production and conservation.

Common techniques include chemical analysis (elemental profiling by ICP-OES/ICP-MS, nutrient quantification, pigment measurement), chromatography (HPLC, GC-MS for metabolites), spectroscopy (NIR, UV-Vis, FTIR), and mass spectrometry. Molecular methods (PCR-based assays, sequencing) are used for species identification, pathogen detection, and gene-expression studies. Imaging and sensor-based approaches, including chlorophyll fluorescence, remote sensing, and digital phenotyping, enable non-destructive assessment and high-throughput screening.

Data interpretation relies on chemometrics, bioinformatics, and standardized protocols to ensure accuracy and comparability. Plantanalyses support breeding decisions, nutrient management, pest and disease control, quality assurance of plant-derived foods and medicines, and ecological or conservation research.

Ethical and regulatory considerations include handling of genetically modified materials, data privacy where applicable, and adherence to guidelines on sampling and environmental impact.