H Imaging of Plants

In biological tissue the most abundant source of protons is water, and in most cases MR imaging means obtaining maps of water density. Differences between Ti and relaxation times provide a contrast mechanism. Both relaxation times are sensitive probes of molecular motions. As NMR imaging is able to acquire maps of water distribution and to monitor water flow, it is clear that this method has potential as a valuable tool in the study of plants. Several images of fruits and nuts have been presented earlier that of an intact lemon exhibiting stones is widely known (see the book by GOnther H. [21]). 

The knowledge about in situ distribution and concentration of metabolites in plant physiology has hitherto been limited, mainly because of the lack of an appropriate, non-invasive experimental technique. The CPI experiments eould be used to monitor in vivo the con- 

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