Scientific Applications

Accelerating plant phenomics

The Plant Accelerator’s high-throughput imaging systems (LemnaTec Scanalyzer 3D) provide new possibilities for the quantitative and non-destructive analysis of crops and model plants. Each plant is imaged sequentially in multiple camera units, which employ different wavelengths that reach far beyond human vision. The result is an unprecedented number of reproducible and significant data points on any aspects of plant development.

Data is collected continuously and recorded in one snapshot per imaging run, thus routinely producing 15 or more images and several hundred data points per plant and run. Plants can be imaged in multiple runs throughout their entire lifecycle providing data for unparalleled monitoring of plant development.

Comprehensive quantitative representation of plants in datasets generates data for physiological and genetic plant modeling to identify and quantify the concealed parameters that actually control plant development.

1. Infrared light cameras are used to quantify temperature differences (e.g. within the leaf or between plants),
2. Visible light cameras take images from the top and sides under reproducible illumination conditions for comprehensive phenotyping (e.g.  shoot mass, leaf number, shape, angle, and other morphometric data, and leaf colour and senescence),
3. Near infrared light for roots: humidity visualisation in root columns by near infrared light provides additional information on spatial root performance of plants (i.e. the removal of water from soil in pots),
4. Near infrared light cameras offer visualisation of water distribution and dynamics (1450-1550 nm) as well as further NIR absorbing ingredients (e.g. leaf water and carbohydrate content),
5. Fluorescent light: using blue light large field excitation (< 500 nm) in back/top light conditions reveals any related fluorescence between 520 and 750 nm (e.g. plant health by monitoring the state of chlorophyll, fluorescent proteins such as GFP).
   
    

Scientific applications include

1. Screening of mapping populations, mutant populations and wild relatives of crops for features of plant growth and function.
2. Forward genetic studies using large numbers of plants.
3. Thorough characterisation through time of particular lines of interest.
4. Alteration of plant growth and function to alter components contributing to yield potential.
5. Increasing drought and salinity tolerance of crops.
6. Increasing tolerance to mineral nutrient deficiencies and toxicities and to 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

Click here to view Professor Mark Tester's presentation on 'Salinity tolerance screening and trait dissection', which includes information on measuring systems and traits to be measured.