Bio Instruments S.R.L. products

SD-type sensor is a highly precise incremental LVDT-based sensor for monitoring micro-variations of stem diameter in micron range. Plant growth and water balance affect diurnal behavior of stem diameter. The growth rate depends on a vegetation stage and environmental conditions. The diurnal variations represent mostly fluctuations of water content in plants. Two diameter-based indices are commonly used for evaluating plant water status: daily contraction amplitude and trend of daily maxima. The SD-type sensor allows investigating effects of irrigation rate and other environmental factors on water balance and growth of plants.

The SF-4P and SF-5P sensors are designed for monitoring relative variations of sap flow rate in a leaf petiole or small shoot. The sensor’s probe is made as a hollow collapsible heat-insulating cylinder. A heater and a pair of bead thermistors are located inside the cylinder. A signal conditioner provides powering of the heater and conditioning of the output signal. The probe is connected by a standard 1-meter cable to the waterproof box with the signal conditioner inside. Standard output cable length between signal conditioner and monitor is 4 meters.

The PIR-1M Quantum Sensor measures Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) in µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. The sensor is cosine-corrected, and has a domed diffusion disk and head for improved self-cleaning characteristics and long-term stability. The cosine error for typical applications is less than 2%. The output increases approximately 1% per year because of changes in the optical transparency of the diffusion disk. Quantum sensor is calibrated for sunlight. Average spectral errors associated with different light sources is shown on the right. The probe is connected by a standard 3-meter cable to the waterproof box with the signal conditioner inside. The output cable length should be specified in the order if required.

The PM-11 Phytomonitor is a portable weatherproof data logger having a variety of optional sensors for plant and environment. Has accessories for easy and quick installation in laboratory, greenhouse or in the open.