Scientific Applications

Non-destructive measurements through time:

• Shoot mass, leaf number, shape, angle, and other morphometric data, and leaf colour and senescence using visible spectrum images.
• Leaf water and carbohydrate content using near infrared images
• Leaf temperature using far infrared images.
• Removal of water from soil in pots using near-infrared wavelengths.
• Plant health by monitoring the state of chlorophyll using fluorescence imaging.
• Fluorescent proteins such as GFP.

Scientific applications include:

• Screening of mapping populations, mutant populations and wild relatives of crops for features of plant growth and function.
• Forward genetic studies using large numbers of plants.
• Thorough characterisation through time of particular lines of interest.
• Alteration of plant growth and function to alter components contributing to yield potential.
• Increasing drought and salinity tolerance of crops.
• Increasing tolerance to mineral nutrient deficiencies and toxicities and biotic stresses such as fungal diseases.

For further information please refer to the Plant Phenomics link and the related Publications site.

Salinity tolerance screening and trait dissection

To view Professor Mark Tester's presentation on 'Salinity tolerance screening and trait dissection' including information on measuring systems and traits to be measured click here.