A MULTIPLEXING FIBER OPTIC MICROSENSOR SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OXYGEN CONCENTRATION IN PLANTS

The accurate and rapid measurement of physiological O-2 transport is vital for understanding spatially and temporally dynamic metabolism and stress signalling in plant cells and tissues. Single channel luminescent O-2-quenched optrodes have been available for use in laboratory and field experiments since the early 2000's. However, to collect the large datasets needed to understand O-2 transport in complex systems, many experiments require a multiple channel O-2 sensor system. This research reports the development of a multiplexing fiber optic O-2 microsensor system designed to conduct high temporal resolution experiments for field studies of plant physiology. The 10 channel system was demonstrated for measuring O-2 concentration in developing soybean seeds (Glycine max L. Merr.) within a climate controlled greenhouse.