Plant phenotyping is the study of observable traits or characteristics of plants, encompassing their morphology, physiology, and behavior. This field plays a crucial role in understanding plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. Here's an overview of plant phenotyping in terms of its past, present, and future:

  1. Past:
  • Manual Phenotyping: Historically, plant phenotyping was primarily a manual and labor-intensive process. Researchers would measure and record plant traits using traditional methods, such as measuring plant height, and leaf area, and counting fruit or seed production.
  • Limited Scale: Due to the time-consuming nature of manual phenotyping, studies were often limited in terms of sample size and scope.
  • Basic Technologies: Early technologies for phenotyping were basic, including rulers, calipers, and other simple measurement tools.
  1. Present:
  • Automation and Robotics: Recent advancements have introduced automation and robotics into plant phenotyping. High-throughput phenotyping platforms use imaging systems and sensors to collect data on a large scale, allowing for more comprehensive and efficient studies.
  • Imaging Technologies: Advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D scanners, hyperspectral imaging, and drones, provide detailed information on plant structure, biomass, and physiological traits.
  • Data Analytics: The integration of data analytics and machine learning has become prevalent. These tools help analyze vast datasets generated by high-throughput phenotyping platforms, extracting meaningful insights and patterns.
  • Remote Sensing: Satellite and airborne remote sensing technologies enable researchers to monitor and assess plant traits over large geographic areas. This is particularly useful for studying crops and natural vegetation on a global scale.
  1. Future:
  • Precision Phenotyping: The future of plant phenotyping involves precision phenotyping, where individual plants or even specific plant organs are studied in detail. This level of precision allows for a deeper understanding of plant responses to various environmental factors.
  • Non-Invasive Techniques: Advancements in non-invasive techniques will continue to gain importance. Technologies that can capture plant traits without disturbing the plants themselves will be crucial for studying dynamic processes over time.
  • Integration of Omics Technologies: Combining phenotypic data with genomics, transcriptomics, and other omics technologies will provide a holistic understanding of plant biology. This integrated approach, often referred to as phenomics, aims to unravel the complex relationships between genotype and phenotype.
  • Digital Twins: The concept of creating digital twins for plants, which are computational models that replicate the characteristics and responses of real plants, holds promise. These digital twins can be used for simulation, prediction, and optimization in agriculture and ecological research.
    Plant phenotyping has evolved from manual measurements to high-throughput, automated systems, and it continues to advance with cutting-edge technologies. The future of plant phenotyping involves precision, non-invasive techniques, and integration with other biological data, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of plant biology and improved agricultural practices.
    Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/10/1298

Dr. Md. Monirul Islam
Senior Scientist
ASRBC, ACI Seed

Fig. Overview of traditional and advanced phenotyping techniques.