A new way of measuring chlorophyll fluorescence in the lab and field, this low cost hand-held unit uses high output LEDs to provide a saturating pulse for the measurement of Fv/Fm and other parameters.

The fluorpen is an accurate, inexpensive option to bulky fibre optic chlorophyll fluorometers, especially when the user wants to screen a large number of plants for specific fluorescence parameters. Its low cost and ease of use also make it an excellent tool for use in the teaching lab. A variety of FluorPens are available with different features and different levels of sophistication. The basic model measures two parameters:

Ft - continuous fluorescence yield in non-actinic light. Ft is equivalent to Fo if the leaf sample is dark-adapted.

QY - Photosystem II quantum yield. In a dark-adapted leaf this is equivalent to Fv/Fm. In a light-adapted leaf it is equivalent to Fv‘/Fm‘.

More sophisticated models include protocols for:

OJIP - Chlorophyll Fluorescence Induction Kinetics

NPQ - Non-Photochemical Quenching

Light Curve - Adaptation of Quantum Yield to Several Different Light Levels

Ft and QY data are stored in the FluorPen memory after they are measured.
Each value is numbered sequentially and may be recalled for transcription to a computer.
Measuring light power is adjustable by flash duration; actinic and saturating flashes are adjustable from 0 to 3,000 µmol photons m-2s-1.

Herbicide Application:

Improvement of the effectivity of herbicide application

Testing of new herbicides

High reduction of herbicide use

Photosynthesis Research:

Field measurement

Mutant screening

Stress detection

Agronomy and Forestry: