A new device for measuring fluctuations in plant stem diameter: implications for monitoring plant responses

Ceres is a transducer-type device that continuously measures micron-sized changes in the diamater of herbaceous or woody stems. The device could prove useful in monitoring plant responses to environmental conditions. The capability of ceres to detect plant response was demonstrated using field-grown sunflowers fumigated with engine exhaust from a truck. Short-term and even transient plant responses were documented under field conditions.