White Pine Under the Spectral Lens

Siyu is measuring leaf spectral reflectance in white pine. Leaf spectral reflectance refers to the amount of light reflected by a leaf at different wavelengths across the visible and infrared spectrum. This technique helps assess plant health, photosynthetic efficiency, and water status by detecting subtle changes in leaf properties. 

Siyu and Ivory are grinding white pine samples collected from the field as part of a pigment analysis study. This is the first process before  extraction and Hplc analysis. Grinding breaks down the leaf structure, releasing key pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are essential for understanding plant photosynthesis and stress responses. Their meticulous work sets the foundation for precise pigment quantification and deeper insights into white pine physiology.