Optimization of hydroponic growth system and Na⁺-fluorescence measurements for tree species Pongamia pinnata (L.)...

Domestication and cultivation of tree species, such as Pongamia pinnata is quite important because of its biofuel properties. Seedlings grown in modified hydroponic culture were morphologically similar to that of soil grown seedlings. Further, seedlings were allowed to grow without root limitation. Comparatively, our modified hydroponic growth system can be performed with minimal resources. Prior incubated root segments with CoroNa-Green AM dye retained maximum amount of dye when compared to CoroNa-Green AM dye incubated sections. Our modified protocol provides quantitative analysis of 2D and 3D imaging process at cellular and sub-cellular level.•Our protocol is customized to study individual plant behavior.•Additionally, it is customized for growing tap rooted trees species hydroponically. Changing the nutrient solution with regular intervals provides continuous supply of nutrients to the plants.•Prior incubation of root segments with Na⁺ probe (CoroNa-Green AM) provides better resolution in imaging process. Additionally, both 2D and 3D imaging provides a means to acquire and analyze entirety of the sample.