The PlantPen is an inexpensive, battery-powered instrument that helps to characterize plants by means of reflectance. Chlorophyll content, protoprotecting carotenoids, and other important features can be assessed by various reflectance indices. Our two standard versions of the PlantPen use the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).

The PlantPen model NDVI 300 measures NDVI, which is an important indicator of chlorophyll content in plants. The device compares reflected light at two distinct wavelengths, 660 and 740 nm.

Besides these two models, we offer non-standard PlantPens that can measure other structural or chlorophyll indices. The customer can choose, for instance, from the Greenness Index, Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index, Triangular Vegetation Index, Simple Ratio Index, Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index, and many others.

Rugged and compact PlantPens can be favorably used in the field, in the plant biology lab or for education. A handy leaf clip, simple two-button operation, and a bright display make the PlantPen an easy-to-use instrument that does not disturb investigated plants (no leaf tearing or damaging). It takes four AAA alkaline batteries and is supplied in a robust case.

The PlantPen memory has a capacity of 4 MB (up to 100,000 data points). Measured data are numbered and may be recalled in sequence for later transcription to a computer. More sophisticated PlantPen models incorporate Bluetooth technology or a Serial Port for data transfer to a PDA or PC.

Besides the two standard models (PRI & NDVI), we offer custom-made PlantPens that can measure other structural or chlorophyll indices. For more information and custom pricing contact Qubit Systems at info@qubitsystems.com.

STRUCTURAL INDICES

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
Reference: Rouse et al. (1974)
Equation: NDVI = (RNIR - RRED) / (RNIR + RRED)

Simple Ratio Index (SR)
Reference: Jordan (1969); Rouse et al. (1974)
Equation: SR = RNIR / RRED

Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index (MCARI1)
Reference: Haboudane et al. (2004)
Equation: MCARI1 = 1.2 * [2.5 * (R800 - R670) - 1.3 * (R800 - R550)]

Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI)
Reference: Rondeaux et al. (1996) )
Equation: OSAVI = (1 + 0.16) * (R800 - R670) / (R800 - R670 + 0.16)