The C<sub>2</sub> 3A System, an Example of Quantitative Control of Plant Growth Associated with a Data Base

Abstract

<div class="htmlview paragraph">The architecture of the <span class="small-caps">C<sub>2</sub> 3A.</span> (Chambres de Culture Automatique en Atmosphères Artificielles) system for the controlled study of plant physiology is described:</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">1) Modular plant growth chambers and associated instruments (I.R. CO<sub>2</sub> analyser, Mass spectrometer and Chemical analyser).</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">2) Network of frontal processors controlling this apparatus</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">3) Central computer for the periodic control and the multiplex work of processors. It also concentrates the data, obtained from processors, and stores them in long term data base.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">4) Network of terminal computers able to ask the data base for data processing and modeling.Examples of present results are given : growth curve analysis, study of CO<sub>2</sub> and O<sub>2</sub> gas exchanges of shoots and roots and daily evolution of algal photosynthesis and of the pools of dissolved CO<sub>2</sub> in sea water.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">This system is extremely useful to continue progress in agricultural research. Another application is in Controlled Ecological life Support Systems (CELSS) for space habitats.</div>