Nordic research infrastructures for plant phenotyping

Authors

• Erik Alexandersson Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
• Markku Keinänen National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure, Helsinki, Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
• Aakash Chawade Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
• Kristiina Himanen National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure, University of Helsinki, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.68870

Keywords:

plant phenomics, climate control, imaging sensors, growth facilities, networking

Abstract

Plant phenomics refers to the systematic study of plant phenotypes. Together with closely monitored, controlled climates, it provides an essential component for the integrated analysis of genotype-phenotype-environment interactions. Currently, several plant growth and phenotyping facilities are under establishment globally, and numerous facilities are already in use. Alongside the development of the research infrastructures, several national and international networks have been established to support shared use of the new methodology. In this review, an overview is given of the Nordic plant phenotyping and climate control facilities. Since many areas of phenomics such as sensor-based phenotyping, image analysis and data standards are still developing, promotion of educational and networking activities is especially important. These facilities and networks will be instrumental in tackling plant breeding and plant protection challenges. They will also provide possibilities to study wild species and their ecological interactions under changing Nordic climate conditions.