RapidACi

RapidACi estimates Vcmax (maximum carboxylation rate) and Jmax (maximum electron transport rate) from Rapid A-Ci response (RACiR) measurements in boreal conifers to enable rapid phenotyping for tree breeding.

Key Features:

• Automated correction of RACiR files: Automates correction of multiple Rapid A-Ci response (RACiR) files generated using LI-COR® portable photosynthesis systems.
• Batch processing capability: Supports batch processing of RACiR curves to handle large datasets typical of breeding programs.
• Adaptation for conifers: Adapts the RACiR method for conifers with larger leaf chambers to ensure accurate estimation of photosynthetic parameters.
• Post-measurement leaf area correction: Allows adjustment of leaf area post-measurement by supplying a dataframe with unique sample identifiers and corresponding leaf areas.

Scientific Applications:

• High-throughput phenotyping: Enables rapid characterization of photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax and Jmax) across multiple plants.
• Genotype–phenotype–environment analysis: Facilitates making genotype–phenotype–environment connections for predicting plant responses to environmental change.
• Breeding for climate resilience: Supports selection of tree genotypes with photosynthetic traits linked to environmental adaptability.
• Throughput acceleration: Reduces measurement time from over an hour to a fraction of that duration, enabling larger-scale evaluations.

Methodology:

The RACiR approach measures photosynthetic responses to CO2 across a continuously changing concentration ramp; computational methods explicitly include automated correction of RACiR files, batch processing of RACiR curves, and post-measurement leaf area correction via a dataframe of sample identifiers and leaf areas.