A Comprehensive Review of the Fundamentals, Progress, and Applications of the LIBS Method in Analysis of Plants: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

The primary aim of this work is to present, in detail, the recent applications and progress of LIBS in the study of plant samples and related components, highlighting several innovative methods and experimental setups. The latest developments in using LIBS to analyze crop plant leaves, pasture vegetables, grains, seeds, fruits, plant derivatives, and other agricultural products are discussed, with particular emphasis on the analysis of minerals and trace elements in various plant matrices. Trace and metallic minerals are vital for regulating plant growth and development. Understanding how these elements are distributed within plant tissues provides deeper insights into metabolic pathways and processes, as well as potential applications in food technology and agriculture. Advances in quantitative measurements of these elements across different plant sections are examined, with attention given to challenges such as sample preparation, field sampling methods, and calibration techniques. Key features of LIBS, influential parameters, and fundamental instrumentation are also reviewed. Furthermore, this review explores the specific concerns, expectations, and possibilities of using LIBS to assess plant nutritional status and detect toxic elements, while highlighting the distinct advantages and complementary role of LIBS in plant science research.