Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Saccharum officinarum L. (sugarcane) during its growth for sucrose content

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was employed to monitor changes in image intensities in stems of sugarcane which reflect on the increase in sucrose concentration. Contrast in images originates in the increase of sucrose concentration in the aqueous phase of the predominant parenchyma cells and physiological changes. In matured stems mixed MR intensity patterns were observed in transverse planes. We associate this due to the reflection of vascular bundles in ground parenchyma cells which constitute 80% sucrose storage.