M. Javaid Iqbal
PhD (Leeds, UK)

Department of Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph, 
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.

Tel. 519 824 4120 Ext. 56161
E-mail: iqbal@uoguelph.ca

Lab computer automation

Laboratory equipment automation increases the efficiency and accuracy of data applications by eliminating manual data entry, eliminating transcription errors and reducing the amount of technician time required to perform an analysis. We developed different systems and wrote software to automate the lab for long term data collection like leaf and whole plant photosynthesis, transpiration, evaporation and CO2 enrichment, control and monitoring in growth chambers.

3D Imaging

3D imaging is used to study the anatomical changes in the plant. In this technique three dimensional images are saved in the computer and users can make calculations on the images like for leaf area and stem length etc.
 

The 3D laser imaging system used was the same as the one mounted on the Canada arm of the space shuttle to scan the heat tiles for any damage.

The picture on the right shows the actual 3D laser camera system mounted on a strong tripod. It is facing the snap dragon plants through the open door of a plant growth chamber. The other picture is of a 3D image in PolyWorks software, which can be rotated as wished to see the imaged plants from any angle. Measurements can be made for area or length calculations.

Chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis

Light energy absorbed by chlorophyll molecule in a leaf can undergo one of three fates.

1. It can be used to drive photosynthesis, or

2. Excess energy can be dissipated as heat, or

3. It can be re-emitted as light = Fluorescence.

These three processes occur in competition, such that any increase in the efficiency of one will result in decrease in the yield of the other two. Hence by measuring the yield of chlorophyll fluorescence, information about changes in the efficiency of photochemistry and heat dissipation can be gained.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imager can image the fluorescence as shown in the picture and the image can be analysed for different fluorescence parameters. CF Imager is designed to capture 96 well plate in one image which provides a rapid screening tool.

Screening of Arabidopsis genotypes for photosynthetic efficiency

We are screening Arabidopsis genotypes for photosynthetic efficiency under low light conditions. In the next stage the gene / genes responsible for high efficiency will be targeted.

DL-gene study in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Crosses between certain genotypes of the common bean result in dwarfing of F1 plants and lethal dwarfing in a proportion of the F2 population. This is under the control of the semi-dominant alleles, DL1 and DL2 at two complementary loci, which are expressed in the root and shoot respectively. The various DL genotypes can be simulated by grafting. Failure of root growth may be the outcome of excessively high sink strength of shoots compared to roots. This might arise from signaling incompatibilities between the genotypes. The DL-gene system offers a possible system for resource allocation study in the common bean.

Carbon partitioning

The allocation of resources between the root and shoot of a plant is plastic, being sensitive to modulation by environmental and developmental signals. The mechanisms that control this allocation are still not well understood. Earlier models favored a simple redistribution of assimilate in response to altered resource availability. The potential role of signaling has recently been recognized. Possible signaling agents include free sugars and amino acids, nitrate, sucrose, cytokinins, sucrose and cytokinins and abscisic acid. The integration of shoot and root activities without intercommunication has also been explored. The mechanisms that control root-shoot partitioning remain an area of intense debate, which I am trying to understand.