Controlled environment

We provide a range of controlled environment facilities for plant phenotyping under controlled conditions including light, temperature, irrigation and more.

Crops for plant and agricultural studies are either grown in a field (where they are subject to changing weather) or in a controlled environment, e.g. greenhouse or climate chamber, where environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature, water supply) can be programmed to provide the desired growth conditions and replicate the challenges faced by agriculture (e.g. drought, heat, salinity, frost).

Our controlled environment facilities can simulate an array of growing conditions, and use robotics and sensing tools to measure crop performance under varying conditions. This enables researchers to develop improved crops that are better adapted to changing climates / environments. We offer:

  • Sophisticated plant monitoring systems (plant to sensor and sensor to plant) incorporating RGB, hyperspectral (VNIR), fluorescence, thermal and 3D sensors; DroughtSpotter systems and X-ray CT scanning,
  • Greenhouses and growth rooms / cabinets (incl. biocontainment facilities) to provide controlled growth conditions for specific research experiments,
  • Comprehensive expertise in plant phenomics, image and data analytics, mechatronics, biostatistics, horticulture, and software engineering,
  • Compliance support and trained staff, qualified to work with genetically modified plants and those grown under biosecurity conditions.

APPN controlled environment facilities offer open access and are available across Australia (see APPN Infrastructure Map). Refer to our Technology Fact Sheets or chat to our Nodes to explore how our infrastructure and expert support can enhance your research.

Controlled environment phenotyping services are available in: