Scientists have long known that plants take in and release gases through tiny leaf openings called stomata. They are very small and require special equipment to see. Stomata allow carbon dioxide to enter the leaf for photosynthesis, and they also control how much water leaves the plant. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created a new system to study this process more clearly.
The system allows scientists to watch stomata move while also measuring the gases passing in and out of the leaf. This is important because, in the past, it was difficult to do both at the same time under carefully controlled conditions.
The study, published in the journal Plant Physiology, introduced a new tool called “Stomata In-Sight.” It was designed to solve a major problem in plant science. Earlier methods could only show a fixed image of stomata or measure gas exchange separately.
For example, scientists made leaf prints to study stomata, similar to molds of teeth. This showed their structure but not changes over time. Other methods measured water vapor around the leaf. While this provided useful information, it only offered an average estimate. With Stomata In-Sight, researchers can see stomata and measure how they function at the same time.
The system combines advanced tools in one setup. It uses powerful microscopes to capture live, 3D images of cells on the leaf surface. Inside a special chamber, the system controls light, temperature, humidity, and air. Sensitive instruments measure how much carbon dioxide enters the leaf and how much water leaves it.
The system also uses computer image analysis. Machine learning helps detect stomata, track their movement, and measure how wide they open. This makes the process faster and more accurate. It also helps scientists connect stomatal movement with environmental changes.
Plants must carefully control their stomata. When stomata open, carbon dioxide enters the leaf and supports photosynthesis, allowing the plant to produce sugar and grow. However, when stomata open, water also escapes. Too much water loss can weaken the plant, especially during dry conditions. Because of this, stomata respond quickly to changes in light, humidity, and other environmental signals.
Understanding how stomata work is very important for agriculture. Many crops depend on steady water supplies. In many parts of the world, drought and limited water reduce food production. If scientists can learn how to improve the way plants control water loss, they can help develop crops that grow well with less water. Such crops could still produce high yields even in dry weather.
In this study, the research team tested their new system under different environmental conditions. They showed that it could successfully measure stomatal movement in real time. The data from the system matched their predictions about gas exchange, confirming that the technology works reliably.
The results of this research may help improve future crop development. Scientists study stomata across the leaf surface to discover useful genetic traits. These traits may help create plants that use less water while still producing high yields of food, fuel, and other valuable products.
Many regions are running out of water, and temperatures are also rising. This is a serious challenge. Farmers need crops that use less water but still grow strong and healthy.
The project received support from several organizations that trusted its idea. Their funding helped the team develop and improve this new system. It also enabled scientists to use artificial intelligence to study plants more quickly and carefully. With AI tools, researchers can examine plant behavior in far greater detail.
The new system provides a clearer view of how plants control gas exchange and water loss. By studying tiny leaf openings, scientists are helping to grow stronger crops and improve food security in the future.
