ศูนย์นวัตกรรมเทคโนโลยีหลังการเก็บเกี่ยว

High-contrast neutron imaging to observe water distribution in intact plants

Matsushima U.; Kawabata Y.; Nakano T.; Hino M.; Geltenbort P. and Nicolai B.

5th International Postharvest Symposium . Volume of Abstract . Verona, Italy 6-11 June 2004, p.118

2004

บทคัดย่อ

Neutron radiography is not o­nly a high sensitive but also high resolution non-destructive imaging for water distribution. The authors are studying low-energy neutron radiography which provides a high contrast images of hydrogen due to the large absorption cross-section of neutrons.

The method is very sensitive for observing small changes in water distribution in plant materials. Because the water content of plants is more than 80%, most hydrogen is present in water. Further, changes of the water content in a plant are usually larger and earlier than changes in substrates such as sugars and fibers. Thus, a change in hydrogen measured in a short period by means of neutron radiography is suitable to observe the delicate water status in intact plants. However, neutron images depend o­n characteristic of neutron beams and neutron detection systems. For example, lower-energy beam produce images of higher contrast, however, a lower exposure time is necessary.

The long exposure time doesn’t suit rapid water changes in plants. Thus, proper selection of the factors is necessary when we conduct low-energy neutron radiography. However, there are many unresolved points an applying this new method for plant materials. This study reports several attempts using the low-energy neutron radiography facilities at Kyoto university reactor, and evaluates a proper methodology to measure water distribution in intact plants.