Narrow Results

We developed an X-ray pinhole camera using a radio-isotope source that emits only X-rays.We investigated the performance of this system using a ⁵⁵Fe source with phantom samples. We then applied it to investigate the movement of a ⁵⁵Fe tracer in Japanese mustard spinach. We obtained X-ray images of the ⁵⁵Fe tracer in the spinach samples, and found that ⁵⁵Fe accumulated in the plant.

We succeeded in observation of ferrokinetics in a plant (20 days radish) using the micron RI imaging which was previously developed in our laboratory, by improving two criteria: (i) adjustment of the iron solution for the plant’s intake; and (ii) measurement of the radioisotope, ⁵⁵Fe in the course to take up solution in the plant. The accumulation of iron atoms in the plant was confirmed by the micro-PIXE and an appropriate density of iron was determined. Under an optimal condition of iron solution containing ⁵⁵Fe, the ferrokinetics in the plant was investigated by use of the micron RI imaging system.