PlantPen is a reflectance-based device that provides a convenient, low-cost method of measuring the relative chlorophyll content of a leaf sample. PlantPens measure and calculate particular reflectance indices to assess chlorophyll content, protoprotecting carotenoids, and other important features in live foliage. Two standard Plant Pen versions measure the most common indexes: PRI and NDVI.
- The PlantPen model PRI 200 measures Photochemical Reflectance Index in two narrow wavelength bands centered close to 531 nm and 570 nm. PRI is sensitive to changes in carotenoid pigments that are indicative of photosynthetic light use efficiency, the rate of carbon dioxide uptake, or as a reliable water-stress index. As such, it is used in studies of vegetation productivity and stress.
- The PlantPen model NDVI 300 measures Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which is an important indicator of chlorophyll content in plants. The device compares reflected light at two distinct wavelengths, 660 and 740 nm.

Rugged and compact PlantPens can be favorably used in the field, in the plant biology lab or for education. A handy leaf clip, simple two-button operation, and a bright display make the PlantPen an easy-to-use instrument that does not disturb investigated plants (no leaf detaching or damaging). It takes four AAA alkaline batteries and is supplied in a robust case.
More sophisticated PlantPen models (PRI 200-B, PRI 200-S, PRI 200-U, NDVI 300-B, NDVI 300-S, NDVI 300-U) incorporate one of the three offered communication modules: Bluetooth, USB dongle, or serial cable. FluorPen 1.0 software provides visualization and data transfer routines to a computer.
- Photosynthesis research and education
- Plant biology
- Plant screening & field studies
- Stress physiology
- Agronomy & forestry

- Besides the two standard models, we offer custom-made PlantPens that can measure other structural indices:
- Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
Reference: Rouse et al. (1974)
Equation: NDVI = (RNIR - RRED ) / (RNIR + RRED ) - Simple Ratio Index (SR)
Reference: Jordan (1969); Rouse et al. (1974)
Equation: SR = RNIR / RRED - Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index (MCARI1)
Reference: Haboudane et al. (2004)
Equation: MCARI1 = 1.2 * [2.5 * (R800- R670) - 1.3 * (R800- R550)] - Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI)
Reference: Rondeaux et al. (1996) )
Equation: OSAVI = (1 + 0.16) * (R800- R670) / (R800- R670 + 0.16) - For more information inquire at: info@psi.cz

- Besides the two standard models, we offer custom-made PlantPens that can measure other chlorophyll indices:
- Greenness Index (G)
Equation: G = R554 / R677 - Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index (MCARI)
Reference: Daughtry et al. (2000)
Equation: MCARI = [(R700- R670) - 0.2 * (R700- R550)] * (R700/ R670) - Transformed CAR Index (TCARI)
Reference: Haboudane et al. (2002)
Equation: TSARI = 3 * [(R700- R670) - 0.2 * (R700- R550) * (R700/ R670)] - Triangular Vegetation Index (TVI)
Reference:Broge and Leblanc (2000)
Equation: TVI = 0.5 * [120 * (R750- R550) - 200 * (R670- R550)] - Zarco-Tejada & Miller Index (ZMI)
Reference: Zarco-Tejada et al. (2001)
Equation: ZMI = R750 / R710 - Simple Ratio Pigment Index (SRPI)
Reference: Peñuelas et al. (1995)
Equation: SRPI = R430 / R680 - Normalized Phaeophytinization Index (NPQI)
Reference: Barnes et al. (1992)
Equation: NPQI = (R415- R435) / (R415+ R435) - Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)
Reference: Gamon et al. (1992)
Equation: PRI = (R531- R570) / (R531+ R570) - Normalized Pigment Chlorophyll Index (NPCI)
Reference: Peñuelas et al. (1994)
Equation: NPCI = (R680- R430) / (R680+ R430) - Carter Indices
Reference: Carter (1994), Carter et al. (1996)
Equation: Ctr1 = R695 / R420; Ctr2 = R695 / R760 - Lichtenthaler Indices
Reference: Lichtenthaler et al. (1996)
Equation: Lic1 = (R800 - R680) / (R800 + R680); Lic2 = R440 / R690 - Structure Intensive Pigment Index (SIPI)
Reference: Peñuelas et al. (1995)
Equation: SIPI = (R800- R450) / (R800+ R650) - Gitelson and Merzlyak Indices
Reference: Gitelson & Merzlyak (1997)
Equation: GM1 = R750/ R550; GM2 = R750/ R700) - For more information inquire at: info@psi.cz
- FluorPen 1.0 software (Windows 2000, XP, or higher compatible)*
- Bluetooth, USB or serial communication
- Visualization and data transfer routines to Microsoft Excel
- GPS mapping plug-in
- Measured Parameters:
PRI (Photochemical Reflectance Index)
PRI = (R531 - R570) / (R531 + R570)
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetative Index)
NDVI = (NIR – VIS) / (NIR + VIS) - Measuring Light:
PRI: Internal dual wavelength light source R531 = 531 nm, R570 = 570 nm
NDVI: Internal dual wavelength light source VIS = 660 nm, NIR = 740 nm - Detector Wavelength Range:
PRI: PIN photodiode with 500 to 600 nm bandpass filters
NDVI: PIN photodiode with 620 to 750 nm bandpass filters - FluorPen/PlantPen 1.0 Software:
Windows 2000, XP, or higher* - Memory Capacity:
Up to 4 Mb - Internal Data Logging:
Up to 100,000 data points - Display:
2 x 8 characters LC display - Keypad:
Sealed, 2-key tactile response - Keypad Escape Time:
Turns off after 3 minutes of no use - Power Supply:
4 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries - Battery Life:
48 hours typical with full operation - Low Battery Detection:
Low battery indication displayed - Size:
170 x 57 x 30 mm; 6.7" x 2.2" x 1.2" - Weight:
180 g, 6.5 oz - Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 0 to 55 ºC; 32 to 130 ºF. Relative humidity: 0 to 95 % (non-condensing) - Storage Conditions:
Temperature: -10 to +60 ºC; 14 to +140 ºF. Relative humidity: 0 to 95 % (non-condensing) - Warranty:
1 year parts and labor
- Zarco-Tejada P.J., Gonzales-Dugo V. and Berni J.A.J. (2011): Remote Sensing of Environment - in press.
Pricing
- Orders and Payments
- PlantPen PRI 200 999,- €
- PlantPen NDVI 300 799,- €
- PlantPen PRI 200-B 1.499,- €
- PlantPen PRI 200-U 1.499,- €
- PlantPen PRI 200-S 1.499,- €
- PlantPen NDVI 300-B 1.299,- €
- PlantPen NDVI 300-U 1.299,- €
- PlantPen NDVI 300-S 1.299,- €
- Mini-Computer * 390,- €
- GPS Module * 249,- €
- Battery Charger * 49,- €
- Transport Case * 79,- €
PlantPen Versions
PlantPen PRI 200-B
Standard PRI version supplemented by the Bluetooth communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
PlantPen PRI 200-U
Standard PRI version supplemented by the USB communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
PlantPen PRI 200-S
Standard PRI version supplemented by the serial communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
PlantPen NDVI 300-B
Standard NDVI version supplemented by the Bluetooth communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
PlantPen NDVI 300-U
Standard NDVI version supplemented by the USB communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
PlantPen NDVI 300-S
Standard NDVI version supplemented by the the serial communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
Inquire at: info@psi.cz for other custom-made PlantPens with different structural or chlorophyll indices.
Optional Features and Accessories
Mini-Computer
Small, portable notebook: light-weight (1 kg), long battery runtime (about 4 hours), 8.9-inch display, 1 GB memory, integrated Bluetooth, WLAN and LAN, free Windows XP installed.
GPS Module
To record the exact location of the measurements performed by the pen-category instruments.
Battery Charger
To recharge batteries used in the pen-category instruments. Includes a battery charger and 4 AAA batteries. EU norm only.
Transport Case
Padded case to shelter all necessary accessories. Size: 25 x 22 x 5 cm.
Download
FluorPen 1.0
OS: Win2000/XP
Language: English
Size: 2.2MB
Documents
FluorPen Series Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 1.2MB
FluorPen Quick Guide
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 82kB
FluorPen Explain
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 2.9MB
SpectraPen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 247kB
AquaPen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 1.3MB
AquaPen Quick Guide
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 85kB
N-Pen Brief Guide
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 106kB
GFP-Pen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 812kB
PlantPen NDVI Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 363kB
PlantPen PRI Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 390kB
PlantPen NDVI, PRI Quick Guide
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 73,7kB
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Applications:
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Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Biotechnology
- Limnology & Oceanography
AquaPen-P AP-P 100
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Applications:
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- Phycology
- Limnology & Oceanography
- Biotechnology
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Applications:
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PlantPen PRI 200 & NDVI 300
PlantPen is a low-cost, handheld device that characterizes plants by means of reflectance. The two standard versions measure PRI and NDVI.
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Vegetation Productivity
- Vegetation Stress Studies
- Agriculture
N-Pen N 100
N-Pen is a light-weight, battery-powered instrument that provides quick measurement of actual nitrogen content in plants throughout their growing season.
Applications:
- Significant Yield Increase
- Quick Tuning of Nitrogen Management in Crops
- Saving Nitrogen Application Costs
GFP-Pen GFP 100
GFP-Pen is a handheld fluorometer that serves rapid measurements of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP).
Applications:
- GFP measurement in intact leaf samples
- Distinguish between GMO and non-GMO
- Gene expression studies
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