RESEARCH CABINET RC8901
The research cabinet RC8901 is a whole-plant gas-exchange system designed to quantify crop performance at canopy scale under fully controlled conditions.

The system is conceptually derived from the classical leaf cuvette but expands the measurement volume from a few cubic centimeters around a single leaf to a gas-tight enclosure of several cubic meters surrounding an entire crop canopy.

Environmental control
RC8901 incorporates horizontal laminar airflow between plenum walls with adjustable air velocity. Environmental parameters including light intensity and spectrum, temperature, vapor pressure deficit, CO₂ concentration, irrigation frequency, and nutrient dosing can be controlled with precision.

Because the entire crop canopy is enclosed, RC8901 allows full quantification of carbon uptake, water flux, and energy exchange. This makes it possible to establish complete carbon, water, and energy balances with far fewer assumptions than in leaf-level measurements.

Gas exchange
Using a high-precision LI-COR LI-850-1 CO₂/H₂O analyzer combined with gas flow measurement, the system continuously determines realized photosynthetic performance. Measurements are non-destructive and can be performed over time scales ranging from minutes to weeks.

RC8901 was developed within CERIN89’s research infrastructure and is used in ongoing experimental programs. Configurations tailored to specific crops and research objectives are planned to become commercially available for scientists, universities, and research institutes.

We regularly offer opportunities for students and researchers to join our work. Explore the research opportunities for students here.

DVOC System for Detecting Plant Stress Through VOCs in Indoor Farms
RC8901 also plays a key role in a research project investigating whether, and to what extent, the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants can provide a reliable indicator of plant health and condition.

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