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Affordable and robust phenotyping framework to analyse root system architecture of soil-grown plants

OAR@ICRISAT

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Relation http://oar.icrisat.org/11093/
https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14877
10.1111/tpj.14877
 
Title Affordable and robust phenotyping framework to analyse root system architecture of soil-grown plants
 
Creator Bontpart, T
Concha, C
Giuffrida, M V
Robertson, I
Admkie, K
Abdi, T D
Wordofa, N G
Tesfaye, K
Teklu, T H
Fikre, A
Fetene, M
Tsaftaris, S
Doerner, P
 
Subject Soil
Chickpea
Plant Growth
Ethiopia
 
Description The phenotypic analysis of root system growth is important to inform efforts to enhance plant resource
acquisition from soils; however, root phenotyping remains challenging because of the opacity of soil, requiring
systems that facilitate root system visibility and image acquisition. Previously reported systems require
costly or bespoke materials not available in most countries, where breeders need tools to select varieties
best adapted to local soils and field conditions. Here, we report an affordable soil-based growth (rhizobox)
and imaging system to phenotype root development in glasshouses or shelters. All components of the system
are made from locally available commodity components, facilitating the adoption of this affordable
technology in low-income countries. The rhizobox is large enough (approximately 6000 cm2 of visible soil)
to avoid restricting vertical root system growth for most if not all of the life cycle, yet light enough (approximately
21 kg when filled with soil) for routine handling. Support structures and an imaging station, with
five cameras covering the whole soil surface, complement the rhizoboxes. Images are acquired via the Phenotiki
sensor interface, collected, stitched and analysed. Root system architecture (RSA) parameters are
quantified without intervention. The RSAs of a dicot species (Cicer arietinum, chickpea) and a monocot species
(Hordeum vulgare, barley), exhibiting contrasting root systems, were analysed. Insights into root system
dynamics during vegetative and reproductive stages of the chickpea life cycle were obtained. This
affordable system is relevant for efforts in Ethiopia and other low- and middle-income countries to enhance
crop yields and climate resilience sustainably.
 
Publisher John Wiley and Sons
 
Date 2020-07
 
Type Article
PeerReviewed
 
Format application/pdf
 
Language en
 
Identifier http://oar.icrisat.org/11093/1/tpj.14877.pdf
Bontpart, T and Concha, C and Giuffrida, M V and Robertson, I and Admkie, K and Abdi, T D and Wordofa, N G and Tesfaye, K and Teklu, T H and Fikre, A and Fetene, M and Tsaftaris, S and Doerner, P (2020) Affordable and robust phenotyping framework to analyse root system architecture of soil-grown plants. The Plant Journal. pp. 1-13. (Unpublished)