Plant Science Group Technical Talk: Prof Barry Osborne, 'Measuring Photosynthesis from a Distance'

Photosynthesis, the miracle in which plants turn sunlight, air and water into bread and wine, fuel and fibre, is the most energetic of all biological processes. Barry has spent an academic lifetime studying this process, and has continued his research in semi-retirement. Remote sensing of photosynthetic activities in leaves from inaccessible plants and within canopies has long been a key element in the ‘Holy Grail’ of plant physiological ecology. Barry will give us a basic outline of the process of photosynthesis and go on to demonstrate equipment he is developing in his quest for this ‘Holy Grail’.

We expect that the latter part of this session will move outdoors to test this equipment on native plants in the Gardens.

Prof Barry Osmond has had a long career at the Research School of Biological Sciences, ANU (1967-2001) and has held many overseas positions. He is currently an Honorary Visiting Fellow at ANU and has a fractional appointment at the University of Wollongong NSW.

Venue: Crosbie Morrison Building, ANBG.