CID Bio-Science, Inc.

CID Bio-Science, Inc. Plant science tools that work where you work. For over 25 years, CID Bio-Science, Inc. Visit www.felixinstruments.com to learn more.

has been designing instruments for agricultural and environmental research. We specialize in creating light, compact tools that are fully functional on-site. Our instruments provide data on demand with no need for lab analysis with research applications including: photosynthesis, canopy analysis, leaf area, spectroscopy, and root function. CID is made up of engineers, scientists, assemblers, machi

nists, technicians, and businesspeople who have dedicated our careers to building tools for plant physiology research. Our Application Scientists and Sales staff work directly with science and agricultural professionals to equip them with the instruments that will best meet their needs. After decades of engineering tools for plant science, our subsidiary company, Felix Instruments-Applied Food Science, is providing a new line of sensing tools for commercial post-harvest applications. Headquartered in Camas, Washington in the United States, CID is represented by distributors in 44 countries around the world and is an expert in developing new global markets. Committed to the public good, CID considers our customers, distributors, vendors and public community in each of our actions. CID Bio-Science is proud to be a U.S. manufacturer—designing and assembling all products in Camas, Washington, USA, and supporting fellow businesses by sourcing materials locally whenever possible.

04/01/2025

🌾 Want Bigger Yields Without Bigger Plants?

Boosting your harvest index (HI) might be the key. HI = yield / total biomass — and it’s been the quiet workhorse behind decades of crop yield gains.

But here's the kicker: how you increase it depends on the crop.

🔹 Maize? Genetics and breeding do the heavy lifting.
🔹 Rice? Smart irrigation practices win.
🔹 Tomatoes? Shrink the plant, not the harvest.
🔹 Pineapples? Growth regulators strengthen the source-sink game.
🔹 Fruit trees? Dwarf rootstocks improve the fruit-to-plant ratio and make everything easier.

Researchers are tuning HI to squeeze more food out of each plant—without squeezing the planet dry.

Want the details? We broke down five crop-specific strategies scientists use to improve HI and secure food futures. Read more here:
🔗: https://ow.ly/sORm50VrQ5m

03/27/2025

What's one surprising insight from your plant research this year that's changed the way you work?

🌱 Could drought conditions actually improve pesticide effectiveness in crops?This week's uncovers fascinating findings...
03/26/2025

🌱 Could drought conditions actually improve pesticide effectiveness in crops?

This week's uncovers fascinating findings from a recent cotton study that might just change how you see drought management in agriculture.

Researchers examined how cotton seedlings respond to three common neonicotinoid seed treatments (clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid) under varying water levels, ranging from optimal irrigation to severe drought conditions. Surprisingly, cotton grown under moderate drought (around 60% recommended irrigation) not only grew taller and had more biomass but also retained higher concentrations of protective insecticides in their leaves.

To precisely measure the impact on growth, scientists used a leaf area scanner—a powerful tool that quickly and accurately determines plant health by assessing leaf size. This allowed them to link specific treatments directly to improvements in plant vigor under drought conditions.

Why should this matter to you?
Whether you're a grower, agronomist, or involved elsewhere in agriculture, these insights offer practical strategies to optimize crop health. Choosing the right seed treatments can protect crops from pests and help plants thrive even when water is scarce.

Have you experimented with seed treatments in drought conditions? Drop your experiences or questions below, and tune in next Wednesday for more actionable insights from cutting-edge agricultural research! 🌾📚

Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91350-z

03/25/2025

🌱 Endophytes battling salt stress? Gamma rays in avocados? Chilly mango leaves?

This month's edition of In The Field is packed with fascinating plant science breakthroughs!

🔬 Alnus glutinosa roots at salty sites: Did you know salinity reshapes microbial communities? Salty soils boost specific endophytes like Actinomycetota and reduce beneficial fungi—changing how trees cope.

🌷 Pre-harvest sprays & Alstroemeria vase life: Want flowers lasting longer? Benzyl adenine sprays can stretch Alstroemeria's beauty by up to 8 days. Gibberellic acid isn't far behind, enhancing freshness and size.

🌳 Monoculture vs. Mixed Reforestation: If you're restoring forests, diversity matters. Monocultures limit species richness, emphasizing the importance of mixed planting strategies to boost ecological health.

🥑 Gamma radiation on Hass avocados: Gamma rays might fend off pests but compromise fruit quality—affecting color, ripening, and shelf life. Turns out, radiation isn't a friend to avocado freshness.

🥭 Mango leaves' night-time chills: Mango leaves exposed to chilling nights downregulate Photosystem 2 efficiency to protect against morning sun stress—a survival mechanism revealed through leaf spectral reflectance analysis.

Curious to dive deeper into these studies?

👉 Check out this month's full roundup in In The Field here:
🔗: https://conta.cc/420KdG5

03/20/2025

How Do Trees Keep Our Water Clean? 🌿💧

Ever noticed how rivers and lakes surrounded by lush trees look healthier? That’s no coincidence. The riparian canopy cover—trees and plants along water edges—plays a major role in water quality, wildlife habitats, and flood control.

Here’s why it matters:
🌱 Prevents erosion – Deep roots hold soil in place, stopping it from washing into the water.
💦 Filters pollutants – Plants act as a natural barrier, catching runoff before it enters streams.
🌡 Regulates temperature – Shade from trees cools the water, creating a better environment for fish and aquatic life.
🐟 Supports biodiversity – The mix of shade, fallen leaves, and woody debris creates food and shelter for various species.

With climate change and urban development putting pressure on natural water systems, keeping riparian zones intact is more important than ever. Learn more about their role and why old-growth forests make the best natural water protectors in our latest article:
🔗: https://ow.ly/5HHN50VlSUV

03/19/2025

Users! Shoot a simple 30-second video and get paid for it! 💥

We'd love to see how you use your CID Bio-Science instruments!

If you shoot a quick video introducing yourself and demonstrating how you use your device in your work, we’ll send you $50 as a token of our appreciation.

It’s simple:
✅ Record a short video (20-30 seconds).
✅ Introduce yourself and your role.
✅ Give a quick explanation or demo of how you use the device.

See our example videos below and follow the link for the full details.

Full details: https://ow.ly/GNNf50VhGLf

03/13/2025

Senescence in Crops: A Secret Weapon or Hidden Threat? 🌿

You might think of senescence simply as plants aging, but it's way more intriguing! Senescence—the programmed breakdown of plant parts—isn't just a passive process. Crops actively use it to recycle nutrients, boost resilience to drought or nutrient stress, and even determine their yield potential.

Here's what's fascinating:

🌿 Plants Can Time It! Senescence isn't always tied to age—plants can trigger it early if stressed (think drought or low nutrients) or delay it under optimal conditions to maximize growth.

🌿 Good vs. Bad: Controlled senescence helps plants efficiently reuse nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), saving energy and enhancing yields. But crop yield and nutritional value can take a hit if it happens too early.

🌿 Stay-Green Crops: Scientists love these! Delaying senescence in leaves keeps photosynthesis going longer, boosting productivity—especially valuable in drought conditions.

But there's a catch: senescing leaves can attract disease-causing pathogens, creating challenges postharvest.

Balancing senescence could hold the key to better yields, crop sustainability, and food security!

🌱 Wednesday Research Review: Can Plants Clean the Air Around You? 🌱Did you know that dust pollution from mining and agri...
03/12/2025

🌱 Wednesday Research Review: Can Plants Clean the Air Around You? 🌱

Did you know that dust pollution from mining and agriculture can reduce plant health and lower air quality? But what if plants could fight back—and you could measure their impact?

A new study reveals how grassland plants naturally trap airborne dust, helping reduce pollution near open-pit coal mines. Researchers found that dust retention was highest within 900 meters of mining sites and that vegetation cover decreased as dust levels increased. This means dust pollution doesn’t just coat leaves—it actively harms plant growth, reducing their ability to support ecosystems.

🔬 How Did They Figure This Out?
Using UAV-borne hyperspectral imaging, researchers measured how dust retention changes plant reflectance. They paired this with precise leaf measurements from a CID Bio-Science Leaf Area Meter, which helped calculate how much dust plants captured. This combination allowed them to track and model dust pollution levels accurately.

💡 What Can You Do With This Insight?
Farmers & Growers: Use plants as natural dust barriers around fields and facilities to reduce airborne particles.
Agronomists & Researchers: Leverage remote sensing tech to assess plant health and environmental impact.
Environmental Managers: Apply these findings to monitor air quality and plant-based dust control strategies.

🌿 What do you think—could dust retention mapping improve your work?

Full Research: https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030458

🍇✨ Can AI improve grape quality? The latest research says yes! Our newest newsletter is packed with insights!What’s insi...
03/06/2025

🍇✨ Can AI improve grape quality? The latest research says yes! Our newest newsletter is packed with insights!

What’s inside:
1️⃣ Webinar Recap: The F-751 Grape Quality Meter – non-destructive testing for Brix, pH & acidity.
2️⃣ Root Research Spotlight: 300,000+ root images captured—advancing crop phenotyping at scale.
3️⃣ Spectrometer in Action: How scientists across 40+ countries use the CI-710s for plant health insights.
4️⃣ Canopy Cover Breakthroughs: How urban trees cool cities by up to 30%—critical data for climate resilience.
5️⃣ Harvest Index vs. Maturity Index: A deep dive into optimizing fruit quality & yield.

📩 Read the full newsletter here: https://conta.cc/3XJm7yD

🌱 Wednesday Research Review: The Key to Drought-Resistant Farming 🌱Did you know that changing the type of fertilizer yo...
03/05/2025

🌱 Wednesday Research Review: The Key to Drought-Resistant Farming 🌱

Did you know that changing the type of fertilizer you use can increase water efficiency by up to 16%? For farmers working in dry, high-altitude regions, that’s the difference between struggling yields and sustainable growth.

This week’s research focused on how fertilizer type and nitrogen levels impact soil moisture, nutrient availability, and quinoa yield. The study found that slow-release fertilizers (SRF) at 120 kg/ha not only increased yield but also improved water retention deep in the soil, reducing drought stress. Compared to conventional fertilizers, SRF boosted water use efficiency, crop resilience, and even economic returns by over 7,000 CNY per hectare!

So how did researchers track these improvements? They used the CI-203 handheld laser leaf area analyzer—a precision tool that measures plant growth without damaging crops. This allowed them to accurately compare leaf area expansion and plant health across different fertilizer treatments, providing critical insights into the best strategies for increasing yield.

🚜 How can you apply this research?
If you're a farmer, consider switching to slow-release fertilizers to optimize water use and soil health.
If you're in agriculture tech, explore how precision tools can enhance crop monitoring.
If you're in policy or supply chain roles, understanding sustainable fertilization can guide smarter decisions on resource allocation.

See you next Wednesday for another Research Review! 🌍✨

Link to the research: https://ow.ly/BR7l50VarFj

03/04/2025

🌊 How do plants survive in constantly changing riparian zones?

Riparian ecosystems—those transition zones between land and water—are some of plant life's most dynamic and challenging environments. Frequent flooding, shifting sediments, and oxygen-poor soils create harsh growing conditions. But riparian plants? They’ve evolved some wild adaptations to make it work.

🔹 Root survival tactics: Think adventitious roots for quick recovery, buttress roots for stability, and even snorkel-like pneumatophores to breathe in swampy areas.
🔹 Stem & shoot strategies: Some species grow lenticels (tiny air pockets) for gas exchange, while others send out floating rhizomes to stay above water.
🔹 Leaf adjustments: Riparian plants constantly adapt to the elements, from shedding leaves during floods to developing thicker cuticles to retain moisture.

Understanding these adaptations isn't just interesting—it’s crucial to restoring degraded riparian areas that human activity impacts. We can support healthier waterways, improve water quality, and stabilize riverbanks by selecting plants with the right traits.

Want to learn more about how riparian vegetation works and why it matters? Check out the full article:

https://ow.ly/Myr150Vaoff

Did you know? Over 50% of a plant’s biomass is hidden underground—yet traditional farming and breeding methods have igno...
02/26/2025

Did you know? Over 50% of a plant’s biomass is hidden underground—yet traditional farming and breeding methods have ignored this vital system. What if understanding roots better could revolutionize crop resilience, boost yields, and improve soil health? We cover this in this week's Wednesday research review!

This week, we're diving into groundbreaking research that scaled up minirhizotron technology to study thousands of root systems—without disturbing a single plant. Scientists installed over 3,000 underground imaging tubes to capture root growth in real-world field conditions, collecting over 300,000 high-resolution images in days instead of months. The results? Clear insights into how roots adapt to soil conditions, access water, and drive plant success.

🔬 How did they do it?
The research team used tractor-mounted hydraulic corers to rapidly install angled minirhizotron tubes, allowing for non-invasive, high-throughput root imaging. With minirhizotron cameras, they captured detailed images of root distribution across different genotypes and environments—data that was previously impossible to gather at this scale.

🚀 What does this mean for YOU?
Farmers & Agronomists: Optimize irrigation and nutrient management based on real root behavior.
Crop Breeders: Identify genetic traits linked to deeper, more efficient root systems for drought resilience.
Ag Tech & Equipment Developers: Innovate around automated root imaging and AI-driven analysis to push agriculture forward.

The bottom line? Roots matter more than we ever realized. Understanding them is key to the future of sustainable farming.

👉 What do you think? Could root imaging transform the way we grow crops? Drop your thoughts below & follow along every for more insights you can use! ⬇️

Check out the full research: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-022-00874-2

02/25/2025

Can machine learning predict fruit quality before harvest? 🍏🤖

Turns out—it can. A study on ‘Braeburn’ apples found that a machine learning model using multivariate time series data could predict core browning and firmness before storage. This kind of insight could help optimize storage conditions and reduce post-harvest losses.

That’s just one of the great studies we found in this month’s 'In The Field' research round-up, where we explore:

🔬 The best LED light spectrum for boosting lettuce growth
🔬 How high hydrostatic pressure enhances bioactive compounds in fruit
🔬 Carbonic anhydrase’s surprising role in tree adaptation
🔬 The impact of fertilizer and density on grapefruit root microbiomes

Check out the full research breakdown here: https://ow.ly/8HKl50V6ghp

And if you’ve used CID Bio-Science or Felix Instruments tools in your research, we’d love to feature your work next month! Leave a comment.

02/21/2025

Canopy cover plays a bigger role in climate resilience than we thought! 🌎

A 2024 study highlights how tree quality—leaf area index (LAI), transpiration rates, and drought response strategies—is just as critical as canopy size in mitigating urban heat. 🌡️

💡 Key takeaways:
✅ Cities worldwide are aiming for 30% canopy cover to combat rising temperatures.
✅ Not all trees cool equally—species with high LAI and strategic water use provide stronger benefits.
✅ Research suggests a global need to optimize urban tree selection for maximum cooling efficiency.

With urban heatwaves on the rise, should cities prioritize tree quantity or quality? 🤔

Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/hUmA50V4qFC

02/19/2025

🌱 Wednesday Research Review: Can Changing How You Plant Transform Your Yield?

Did you know that how you manage your soil could be the key to better fruit quality, higher yields, and stronger plants—especially in drought conditions? A recent study on Tahiti acid lime revealed that no-tillage (NT) with mulching significantly outperforms conventional tillage (CT) in almost every way.

🔬 What They Found:
◾️ 40% higher root development in NT vs. CT, leading to stronger trees.
◾️ Increased water retention, reducing stress on the plants.
◾️ Higher fruit yield over three harvests, with better juice content and faster ripening.
◾️ Drought-tolerant rootstocks (IAC 3152 Itajobi) performed best, making trees more resilient.

🛠 How They Discovered This:
Using the CI-600 root scanner, researchers tracked real-time root growth over multiple seasons. The data showed NT trees developed deeper, healthier root systems, improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients.

💡 What This Means for You:
Whether you're in farming, agribusiness, or crop research, these insights can shape better decisions:
✅ Growers → Improve soil health and water efficiency with NT & mulching.
✅ Agronomists → Recommend rootstocks like IAC 3152 Itajobi for better drought resistance.
✅ Food Industry & Supply Chain → Support sustainably grown citrus for better quality fruit.

Full study here:
https://ow.ly/kHTu50UZQBb

📢 What do you think—are we underestimating the power of soil management? Drop your thoughts below, and don’t forget to check back next Wednesday for another ! 👇

02/17/2025

Have you heard about the new Grape Quality Meter from Felix Instruments?

The F-751 Grape Quality Meter helps you assess grape quality without damaging your fruit—and we’re showing you how in a live webinar!

📅 When: February 18th at 9 AM PST
🎙 Hosted by: Galen George, Director of Applied Science at Felix Instruments

What you’ll get:
✅ Easier, non-destructive quality control
✅ More precise harvest decisions
✅ Better calibration for consistent results
✅ Live Q&A—ask anything!

This is worth your time if you grow, sell, or process grapes.

📩 Save your spot: https://tinyurl.com/4zh4c9fh

02/13/2025

🌞 Harnessing Photosynthesis for Renewable Energy 🌱

What if we could turn sunlight and CO₂ into clean, sustainable fuel? That’s exactly what microalgae and artificial photosynthesis aim to do!

🔹 Microalgae biofuels offer a high-yield, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, with species like Botryococcus braunii producing up to 80% oil content

🔹 Artificial photosynthesis (APS) mimics nature, using semiconductors to capture sunlight and generate hydrocarbons & hydrogen, paving the way for carbon-negative energy solutions.

🚀 While scalability remains a challenge, ongoing research in genetic engineering, optimized catalysts, and hybrid systems is accelerating progress.

Could these technologies redefine our energy future? Let’s discuss! ⚡🌍

02/06/2025

Minirhizotron imaging is changing how we track nematode damage in crops—detecting root infections before visible symptoms appear.

Learn how this non-destructive method is helping to improve root health and crop resilience. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/ytyrv6d2

Address

1554 NE 3rd Avenue
Camas, WA
98607

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CID Bio-Science, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to CID Bio-Science, Inc.:

Shortcuts

Share