UNN biophysicists develop a device to diagnose stress in plants
A research team headed by Dr. Vladimir Sukhov is developing technologies to evaluate the physiological condition of plants and identify negative environmental impacts early on. The goal is to determine whether plants experience stress before visible damage occurs. One result of their efforts is an experimental model of the portable analyser called "ASSIM-F," which is being developed by Elizaveta Kozlova and Denis Zbruev from the Biophysics Department.
This device measures the rate of photosynthetic carbon dioxide assimilation — a key indicator of a plant's photosynthetic activity that can change before any external signs of damage appear. The device operates using the principle of cumulative measurements: placing a leaf in a small measuring chamber is sufficient for analysis. This approach simplifies the design and reduces the cost of the equipment. Initial tests have confirmed the device's sensitivity to reduced assimilation rates under stress. According to the developers, the measurement results are comparable to those obtained using commercial analogues. The device weighs less than 1.5 kg, and is expected to cost approximately 180,000 roubles.
"We are currently awaiting the results of the 'Start' grant competition; we presented the project last week. If we receive the grant, we will proceed to develop a prototype and then a pilot sample suitable for end users," says Elizaveta Kozlova.
At the same time, the researchers are exploring another area: the study of plant electrome, which represents the aggregate electrical activity of a plant organism. Electrical signals play a role in transmitting information about external influences and forming adaptive responses. Scientists are investigating the potential to use these signals for early stress detection.
"As part of our electrome research, we are initiating experiments to identify the connection between minor changes in the electrical parameters of plant cells and tissues and photosynthesis under abiotic stress. These are fundamental studies with practical application prospects, but first, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of the processes under study before applying the acquired knowledge in practice. Mathematical modelling can assist in this regard," explains Elizaveta Kozlova.
For the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, such projects demonstrate how fundamental science forms the basis of promising technologies. The research not only enhances our understanding of plant physiology but also creates opportunities to develop affordable domestic devices needed in agriculture, plant breeding, and environmental monitoring.
