Time-resolving luminescence techniques for possible detection of forest decline. II. Picosecond chlorophyll fluorescence.

Needles from spruces at different environmental and physiological conditions were analyzed by picosecond fluorescence spectroscopy using a novel laser diode and single photon counting detection. The decay curves of chlorophyll fluorescence showed a superposition of three exponentially decaying components with time constants of T1 = 100-200 ps, T2 = 300-500 ps and T3 = 2.0-3.5 ns. A high relative intensity of the long-lived component was found in damaged spruces as well as in trees showing first symptoms of yellowing, needle loss or parasite infection, although all measurements were carried out with green needles which appeared visually intact. Therefore, fluorescence spectroscopy with subnanosecond time resolution seems to be a valuable attempt for an early detection of forest decline.