02.12.2009 Thirsty plants send emergency calls

The leaf of a eucalyptus tree, clamped inside the innovative magnetic probe, which measures water supply. The probe has been developed at the University of Würzburg. Photo: Ulrich Zimmermann

Independent whether we consider grapevines in the vineyard or tomatoes in the greenhouse: how well plants are being supplied with water can be viewed by an innovative magnetic probe that is simply clamped to the leaves. This novel technology promises water savings and reduced soil salination.

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01.12.2009 How plants conserve water

Plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release water vapor through microscopically small, controllable pores in their outer skin. The pores consist of two guard cells: when these expand, the pore opens (small image). Photos: Department of Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg

Less rainfall, higher temperatures: plants are also suffering the effects of climate change. How, despite this, they survive longer periods of drought is the subject of research by Rainer Hedrich, a biologist at the University of Würzburg.

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