ARS | Publication request: UV-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE FOR THE DISCERNMENT OF PLANT TYPES FROM PRE- AND POST-DIGESTED PLANT MATERIAL

Submitted to: Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies Final Program
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2000
Publication Date: September 1, 2000
Citation: DANIELSON, T., RAYSON, G.D., ANDERSON, D.M., ESTELL, R.E., FREDRICKSON, E.L., HAVSTAD, K.M. UV-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE FOR THE DISCERNMENT OF PLANT TYPES FROM PRE- AND POST-DIGESTED PLANT MATERIAL. FEDERATION OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND SPECTROSCOPY SOCIETIES FINAL PROGRAM. 2000. ABSTRACT P. 267.

Technical Abstract: It has previously been determined that plant material fluoresces in two regions of the visible spectrum. The dominant chlorophyll fluorescence is found in the 600-800 nm region, while that, of yet unknown species, is observed in the 400-600 nm region. It was the goal of this study to determine if the blue-green fluorescence can act as a spectral signature for characterizing plant materials. The fluorescence spectra of samples o 3 plant forms, grasses, forbes and shrubs, have been studied. Utilizing the 400-600 nm region of the fluorescence spectrum, we were able to distinguish each of the three plant forms. Further studies on identifying plant species by this blue-green fluorescence will be described. With the aid of curve fitting programs and deconvolution methods, the emission spectra can supply information on the identity and contribution of the fluorescing compounds within the plant. The deconvolution and curve fitting of six plant species, Sporobolus flexuosus, Hilaria mutica, Dithyrea wislizeni, Sphaeralcea spp., Flourensia cernua, and Atriplex canescens, were performed. The results identified at least 4 emission bands within the 400-600 nm region. Within these bands, each plant species has a characteristic contribution. The application of this method to characterizing pre- and post-digested plant material will be discussed. The use of this technique to the monitoring of feeding habits and dietary intake of free-ranging herbivores will also be discussed.