How is plant phenomics practised?

The principle of plant phenomics is ancient. Farmers have observed their crops for millennia and researchers have gathered more precise data for centuries.

However, the decreasing cost of important “-omics” such as genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics has encouraged their routine use – making the need to better understand gene function and responses to growing conditions a priority.

Over recent decades, rapid advances in digital imaging systems and data analysis have enabled huge progress in the speed, accuracy and versatility of plant phenomics.

Modern phenomics uses these new technologies to deliver data with greater accuracy and greater ease, while measuring aspects of plant growth and physiology that were previously impossible or impractical to assess with high throughput and precision.

These technologies include:

• Plant-to-sensor and sensor-to-plant platforms for controlled environment phenotyping (RGB, fluorescence, multispectral & hyperspectral imaging; X-ray CT, 3D Laser and LiDAR scanning)
• Airborne and ground-based phenotyping technologies delivered at field sites and remote locations (RGB, multispectral & hyperspectral imaging; LiDAR scanning)
• Fully automated gravimetric irrigation systems (DroughtSpotter platforms) and field sites with irrigation capability
• Precision-controlled plant growth environments (including managed temperature humidity, light time and quality, fertigation and irrigation)
• Distributed national network of climate observation units (CropServatory)

For further detail, please refer to Our Infrastructure and Technology Fact Sheets or chat to our Node Directors to explore how our infrastructure and phenomics expertise can enhance your research.