The path of carbon in photosynthesis. xxix. glass microbeads
2012
Nonomura, Arthur M. | Benson, Andrew A.
Glass microbeads are introduced as convenient and applicable mechanical supports for hydroponics that can be released from roots to exhibit visually discernible responses. Moreover, glass microbeads refract light, effectively redistributing light toward the phylloplane. The smallest beads, <300 μm diameter, rose from neutral to ∼pH 9 in water and the rise was attributable the raw materials source, sodalime glass. The largest 700 μm diameter beads were relatively stable in buffered nutrients. Photography of unobstructed roots was aided by release of microbeads from ryegrass, coleus, corn, and narcissus. Propagation of ‘Ninsei’ was undertaken in containers constructed with inflow and drainage ports. Photodocumentation of responses to indoxylglucopyranoside exhibited consistent differences as compared to controls when cultured in glass microbeads; and further investigations into increased light intensity by refraction may lead to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency.
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