Early detection of poor forest health is important, especially where wildfires can occur. Field sampling is slow and large-scale genomics is costly. Remote sensing from aircraft or satellites covers large areas but often does not give early or detailed information.
A new study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, funded by NASA, measured how leaves reflect light and then analysed gene activity from the same leaves. The work focused on genes linked to water response, drought, photosynthesis and pests or pathogens.
For many genes, specific wavelengths matched gene activity. This finding could let satellites or aircraft map tree stress across forests so people can act before problems become a crisis.
Difficult words
- detection — finding a problem early before it grows
- genomics — study of an organism's genes and DNA
- remote sensing — collecting information from far away sensors
- wavelength — band of light measured by instrumentswavelengths
- photosynthesis — process plants use to make food from light
- drought — a long time with little or no rain
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Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen damaged or stressed trees near where you live? What did you notice?
- Which method would you trust more to check forests: field sampling or satellites? Why?
- How can early information about tree stress help local people or firefighters?
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