DISTINGUISHING PLANT-TISSUES WITH MAGNETIC-RESONANCE MICROSCOPY

Using magnetic resonance microscopy at 7 Tesla, spin-lattice relaxation times (T1), spin-spin relaxation times (T2), and spin densities (N(H)) of live squash stem tissue, were measured in order to gain an understanding of live tissue water relations and to improve imaging protocols that allow the clear distinction of tissues. T1 and N(H) differences among tissues were found to be much greater than T2 differences. Most tissues can be distinguished with high resolution T1 weighted images. Sclerenchyma and vessel elements are more easily seen with N(H) weighted images because of the relatively low water content of sclerenchyma and high water content of vessel elements. This work demonstrates further improvements in the ability of MR microscopy to distinguish tissues and individual cells and also to make measurements regarding water status at the tissue and cellular level of live plants in a nondestructive manner.