Plants, seeds, roots, and soils as applications of magnetic resonance microscopy
High-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy is discussed as a useful tool in the study of plant structure and physiology. In contrast to animals, plants have a relatively homogenous distribution of water throughout the tissues. High quality images highlighting both structural and physiological differences can be acquired of plant specimens, however, based on traditional MR parameters of T1, T2 and susceptibility effects from air filled spaces. Typical in plane resolutions of 5-40μm3 can be acquired, showing significant contrasts between tissues. Additionally, MR microscopy offers the ability to visualize and study plant roots in situ, without removal from the soil substrate. Applications of MR microscopy to plants includes studies of developmental anatomy, physiological changes with maturation, environmental physiology, pathologies, and the study of intact roots in soil.
