LSA-2050

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Handheld Device for non-invasive Leaf Analysis

The following data demonstrate how the LSA-2050 reveals differences in leaf acclimation between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants. Four-week-old bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Saxa) were measured on upper and lower leaf sides under both growing conditions. he visible light intensity in the greenhouse was about one third of the field intensity, and UV radiation was virtually absent. The results show clear differences in UV screening efficiency, chlorophyll content, and FV/FM. This illustrates how the LSA-2050 captures the physiological fingerprint of light acclimation in a single, non-invasive measurement.

UV-B screening (Apparent Transmittance at 310 nm).  Upper and lower leaf sides were investigated (see x-axis labels). Mean values of four plants per treatment are shown (error bars show 95% confidence intervals). UV-B screening was most efficient (10%) on the upper side of field-grown leaves. 

Agri-PV systems combine renewable energy production with traditional agriculture, but raise a central question for perennial crops: how do trees physiologically adjust to life under solar modules? Reduced incident light and filtered UV-A change the cues that leaves use to regulate their pigment composition – and these changes can be tracked quickly and non-destructively at the leaf level.

At the Obstinformationszentrum Fränkische Schweiz in Hiltpoltstein, the LSA-2050 Leaf-State-Analyzer was used to characterise sweet cherry trees grown under two Agri-PV light regimes (33 % and 48 % light transmission) and compare them to an open-field control representing conventional cultivation. Within a single growing season, the trees showed a precise, multi-pigment acclimation.

Multi-pigment acclimation

Chlorophyll investment – chlorophyll a content decreased with shading, significantly so under the 33 % variant. Less incoming light, less pigment per leaf area.
Epidermal UV screen – flavonol content was highly significantly reduced under both Agri-PV variants (p < 0.01). With modules filtering UV-A, the protective investment is scaled back.
Stress markers – anthocyanins remained unchanged. No acute stress response was triggered.

Together, these three readings from a single non-destructive measurement let researchers distinguish acclimation from stress – essential for evaluating Agri-PV systems, screening cultivars for shade tolerance, and supporting orchard management decisions under changing light environments. The LSA-2050 delivers all three pigment values in seconds, on attached leaves, with no extraction or laboratory follow-up required.