Methods and Assays for the Detection of Nitrogen Uptake by a Plant and Uses Thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a rapid and efficient method and assay for monitoring nitrogen uptake by a plant using a pH indicator. The plant is exposed to medium comprising one or more sources of nitrogen, such as nitrate or ammonia, and a pH indicator. The plant is exposed to the source of nitrogen for a time sufficient for it to be taken up by the plant. As nitrate is taken up from the medium, the medium becomes more basic, that is the pH increases. Conversely, as ammonia is taken up from the medium, the medium becomes more acidic and the pH decreases. The change in the pH of the medium may be optically detected and correlated to the amount of nitrate or ammonia remaining in the medium. Accordingly, the amount of nitrate or ammonia taken up by the plant or remaining in the medium may be determined.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.