PlantScreen™ Phenotyping Systems

PlantScreen™ Robotic XYZ Systems

PlantScreen™ Conveyor Systems

PlantScreen™ Phenotyping Systems

www.psi.cz

In the search for beneficial traits that may allow crops

to resist abiotic and biotic stresses, fast and accurate

methods are required for efficient and effective plant

high -throughput phenotyping. Such methods must

involve automated measurements of plant morphology,

biochemistry and physiology to determine potential and

actual yield under a variety of monitored environmental

conditions. With over 20 years’ experience of

designing instrumentation for plant imaging PSI is

now at the forefront of providing complete solutions,

PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems, for automated

multidimensional plant phenotyping.

PSI has pioneered numerous techniques for non -

-invasive measurements of plant processes which

have been integrated into our unique line of plant

phenotyping systems for the controlled environment and

greenhouse. The PlantScreenTM phenotyping platforms

can be configured for single pots, multiple pots or trays,

providing flexibility of use with various species ranging

from Arabidopsis to manifold crop plants.

PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems designed for

integrative phenotyping on temporal and spatial

level are proven in a range of applications across

the world.

Complete phenotyping of• Growth and development

• Plant architecture

• Physiological status and fitness

• Yield and biomass production

• Pigment composition and water content

• Tolerance and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stresses

• Plant performance at given conditions

PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems provide

• Complete solutions for high -precision non -invasive analysis of plant specific patterns of absorption, emission and reflection

• Enclosed imaging cabinets with cameras mounted on robotic arm and specific camera -adapted lighting conditions

• Solution for high -precision experiment performance – automated plant transportation, watering, light and dark acclimation, weighing, spraying, nutrient delivery

• Comprehensive assessment of plant complex traits throughout time

• High capacity for standardized and robust data acquisition, processing, visualisation and database storage

• Intuitive user interface

• Open database structure

• Range of solutions for controlled environment and greenhouse

• Range of customized solutions for small to mid -size and large plants

• Online monitoring of environmental conditions

PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems

PlantScreen™ Robotic XYZ SystemThe PlantScreen™ Robotic XYZ System is

automated robotic platform for high -throughput and

high -precision digital plant phenotyping operating in

sensor -to -plant concept. The platform incorporates

a number of sensors for image -based analysis of growth

dynamics and physiological performance for small up

to mid -size scale plants grown in soil or in vitro. The

XYZ robotic arm is carrying the sensor platform directly

to the given plant and based on user -defined protocol

performs the measurements at defined time intervals.

PlantScreen™ XYZ system can be installed into the

small and large scale cabinet systems, greenhouses or

growth rooms.

Sensors available• RGB digital color imaging

• Kinetic chlorophyll fluorescence imaging

• Hyperspectral imaging in visible and/or near -infrared region

• Thermal imaging

Software control• Setting of individual coordinates in x, y, z axis

• Randomization of measurements

• Comprehensive software package for system control, data acquisition, image analysis and database configuration

• Species -specific analysis

• Open database structure

• Remote access

• Automatic SMS and email notification service

• Online environmental monitoring: Temperature/humidity/light intensity

Key features• Sensor -to -plant concept

• Multi -sensoric platform for integrated plant phenotyping

• High -precision digital analysis of plant growth dynamics and physiological performance

• Intuitive user interface

• Comprehensive software package

• Suitable for phenotyping of small -size up to mid -size scale plants

• Modular customized solutions

• Environmental sensors

• Automated database based plant unique identifiers

PlantScreen™ Conveyor SystemThe PlantScreen™ Conveyor System is an integrated

robotic solution for high -throughput and high -precision

digital plant phenotyping operating in plant -to -sensor

concept. The platform incorporates a number of

sensors for digital analysis of plant growth dynamics and

physiological performance. System may be incorporated

with an external transportation system and/or loading

station to move plants between a cultivation area and

compartment with imaging stations for phenotypical

analysis including the automated weighing/watering

station. The complete PlantScreen™ Conveyor System

can be integrated into greenhouse or cultivation

chambers.

PlantScreenTM Conveyor single-pot format system

is integrated solution for high -precision phenotyping

of larger plants like maize or wheat throughout the

entire life cycle. Single pot is placed in a transport disk,

which can be equipped with different types of inserts

to accomodate pots of different sizes. The system

can be integrated in existing greenhouse or controlled

environment.

PlantScreenTM Conveyor multiple-pot format system

is designed for digital phenotyping and cultivation of

small and mid -size scale plants up to 50 cm in height

(Arabidopsis thaliana, strawberries, soya, young

tobacco, corn plants, etc.). The transport of plants is

carried out on trays that can carry different lid patterns

adapted for single or multiple plants grown in individual

pots or in vitro (e.g. multiwell plates).

Sensors available• RGB digital color imaging

• Kinetic chlorophyll fluorescence imaging

• Hyperspectral imaging in visible and/or near -infrared region

• Thermal imaging

• 3D Scanning and modelling

• Near -infrared (NIR) imaging

• Acclimation chamber

• Weighing

• Watering

• Nutrient delivery

Key features• Plant -to sensor concept

• Robust conveyor transportation system

• Multi -sensoric platform for integrated plant phenotyping

• High -precision digital analysis of plant growth dynamics and physiological performance

• Intuitive user interface

• Light and dark plant adaptation

• High precision weighing and irrigation

• Suitable for phenotyping of small -size up to large -size scale plants

• Modular customized solutions

• Environmental sensors

• Automated database based unique bar code or RFID identifiers

Software control• Comprehensive software package for system

operational control, data acquisition, image analysis and data base configuration

• Randomization of measurements

• Scheduling assistent with calendar function

• Species -specific analysis

• Open database structure

• Remote access

• Automatic SMS and email notification service

• Online environmental monitoring: Temperature/humidity/light intensity

Precise Control of Growth Conditions in PlantScreen™ SystemsKey feature for high -throughput and reproducible

plant phenotyping is control of suitable growth

conditions, maintenance of precise irrigation

regime and adaptation of plants prior physiological

phenotyping. Equilibration of plants to user -defined

environmental conditions prior phenotyping is

critically important when imaging leaf temperature

and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, since data

are dependent on irradiance conditions.

Environmental control• PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems can be

implemented inside of high -capacity growth chambers (FytoScopes) for precise control of growing conditions

• Accurate measurements and regulation of temperature, irradiation cycles and relative humidity

• Additional LED lightning solutions can be implemented to improve lighting regime of the plants grown in greenhouse environment

Light control and acclimation• Light and dark adaptation tunnel for plant acclimation

prior physiological phenotyping

• Multichannel LEDs with programmable interface for defining desired light regime and spectral quality

• Precise setting of light intensity in smooth steps, with the maxima of 1,500 μmol.m-2.s-1

Watering and weighing system• High -precision irrigation system for programmable

delivery of both water and nutrients to the plants throughout growth and/or measurement cycles

• Watering to exact volume and predefined weight

Non -invasive Scoring Methods in PlantScreenTM Systems Number of non -invasive plant imaging technologies were

developped for PlantScreenTM Phenotyping Systems to

study different aspects of plant growth and physiological

performance. Specific imaging sensors are implemented

in closed imaging cabins containing automatic doors for

maintenance of standardized light environment and dedicated

illumination source. Depending on the configuration these

cabins can be equipped with a plant lifting and rotation

station for 0–360° angle image acquisition.

Thermal ImagingThermal imaging of leaves is important in assessing

a plant’s responses to heat load and water deprivation.

Regulation of stomatal aperture to balance the opposing

requirements of drought avoidance and self -cooling is

critical to the survival of crops under extreme conditions.

Variations in mechanisms for self -cooling may allow

certain plants to better withstand periods of high

irradiance and low water availability.

Technique description• Measurement of long -wavelength infrared (LWIR) range

of the electromagnetic spectrum

• Dynamic measurement of infrared radiation emitted by all objects

• Analysis of spatio -temporal variations in stomatal conductance and transpiration over plant surface

• Automatic accurate calculation of plant surface temperature

• Leaf temperature is used as indicator of leaf water content, for measurement of stomatal conductance and mutant selection, as a selection trait for drought resistance in dry environments, etc.

Key features• Non -destructive measurement of plant and leaf

temperature

• Highly homogenous LED light panel for active thermal image acquistion

• Top and side view configuration possible

• Rotating table for multiple angle thermal image acquisition

• Programmable measuring protocols

• Automatic data analysis

SENSORS APPLICATIONS

Thermal Imaging Leaf and canopy temperature

RGB and Morphometric Imaging Shoot biomass, growth dynamics, shoot shape, color index, …

3D Scanning Shoot structure, leaf angle distribution, shoot biomass

Kinetic Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging Photosynthetic status, quantum yield, non -photochemical quenching, electron transport rate, …

Hyperspectral Imaging Pigment composition, biochemical compounds, nitrogen content, leaf water status, …

Near -InfraRed (NIR) Imaging Leaf and canopy water status

Morphological and Developmental AnalysisApplying of digital color RGB imaging or 3D scanning

technology connected to the automatic software

analysis allows to extract large number of features

linked to plant growth and development over time.

High resolution kinetic measurements of visible traits

are used for in -depth analysis of plant morphology,

architecture and extraction of color index features.

Side view image processing

Analyzed parameters

TOP VIEW

• Area [pixel count/mm2]

• Perimeter [pixel count/mm]

• Roundness

• Compactness

• Eccentricity

• Rotational Mass Symmetry

• Slenderness of leaves

• Color index

• Leaf tracking and leaf analysis

SIDE VIEW

• Growth height [pixel count/mm]

• Growth width [pixel count/mm]

• Area [pixel count/mm2]

• Perimeter [pixel count/mm]

• Compactness

• Number of leaves

• Leaf movement

COMBINATION TOP AND SIDE VIEW

• Biomass assessment

• Leaf movement

• Relative growth rate

Key features• 2D or 3D scanning mode

• Top view up to 150 cm plant height

• Side view up to 150 cm plant height

• Side view in range 0–360°

• Line scanning mode for side view

• Species oriented analysis (mono and di -cotyledonous plants)

• Static and dynamic analysis

• Homogeneous LED light source

Leaf tracking analysis and leaf movement. Morphological

segmentation and leaf tracking analysis is used to characterize

development and architecture of individual plant leaves as they

progress through development or progression of stress imposition.

PlantScreenTM System algorithm for leaf tracking runs over binary

representations of individual plants and the time series.

Progressive drought stress analysis in Arabidopsis Col -0 plants.

Drought stress influenced not only biomass production but also the

morphology of the plants. Other parameters e.g. compactness and

perimeter were also affected.

Greening index for different plants characterizing species specific

pigments content in leaves. 25-hue color scale include green, yellow

and red color spectra for the greening index analysis. Charts show the

proportion of each hue in the corresponding plants above.

Dynamic morphometric analysis

Leave segmentation

Point clouds 3D model

Chlorophyl fluorescence

image fitted to 3D model

3D Scanning3D laser scanner used in the PlantScreen™ Systems

is designed for precise structural plant phenotyping.

With the use of top and side scanning the precise

plant 3D model is merged together. Based on the

meshed models the automatic data analysis offers

computations of a range of morphological parameters.

For the best understanding of plant physiology the

data from chlorophyl fluorescence measurement or

from the colored CCD cameras are fitted to the 3D

model. Systems are specifficaly and individually set up

according the customers needs.

Key features• Resolution less than 1mm

• Quick and effective approach of 3D modelling

• Top scan – scanning distance up to 60 cm

• Side scan – user defined scanning distance

• Laser – 660 nm

• Raw data in 3D point clouds

• Meshed models automatically analysed

• Projection of chlorophyl fluorescence to 3D model

• Projecting of other model images to 3D model

• Automatic analysis

3D scanning processTop and side laser scanning in combination of plant

rotation is used for the ideal 3D modelling. The 660 nm

laser line reflected from the plant is captured by the

camera. The position of the laser line on the image is

used to determine the z coordinate of the points along

the line. All the scans are merged together in final 3D

point clouds model. The meshed model serves for

automatic computing of different analyzed parameters.

Analyzed parameters• Plant architecture assesment

• Biomass assesment

• Leaves count

• Individual leaf area

• Leaves angle measurement

Pixel-by-pixel false color image of maximum quantum yield

(Fv/FM) in young maize plants

Transient kinetic fluorescence curves for fluorescence quenching

protocol measured in light- and dark- adapted state. Kinetic curves

and pixel -by -pixel false color image of non -photochemical quenching

for Arabidopsis npq, phyAphyB and ost1 mutants.

Chlorophyll Fluorescence ImagingChlorophyll fluorescence is popular technique in plant

physiology used for rapid non -invasive measurement

of photosystem II (PSII) activity. PSII activity is very

sensitive to range of biotic and abiotic factors and

therefore chlorophyll fluorescence technique is used as

rapid indicator of photosynthetic performance of plants

in different developmental stages and/or in response

to changing environment. Systems developped by

PSI monitor fluorescence kinetics in pulse -amplitude

modulated mode, which provides a wealth of information

about a plant’s photosynthetic capacity, physiological

and metabolic condition, as well as its susceptibility to

various stress conditions.

Key features• High -sensitivity CCD camera

• Multi -color LED light panel

• Pulse -modulated short duration flashes for accurate measurement of minimal fluorescence (Fo value) determination

• Two types of actinic lights for light -adapted and quenching analysis with maximum light intensity reaching 2,000 μmol.m-2.s-1

• Saturating light pulse for maximal fluorescence FM value determination with maximal light intensity up to 6,000 μmol.m-2.s-1

• User -defined programmable measuring protocols

• Automatic data analysis and parameters computation

Analysed parameters • Measured parameters

FO, FM, FV, FO´, FM´, FV´, FT

• Calculated parameters FV/FM, FV´/FM´, ΦPSII, NPQ, qN, qP, Rfd, ETR

False color image of water content index detected at 1,400 nm

with SWIR hyperspectral camera. Kinetic analysis of water

content distribution in Arabidopsis plants subjected to progressive

drought stress. Correlation of water content index detected at

1,400 and 1,900 nm with plant fresh weight.

False color image of NDVI vegetative reflectance index.

Chlorophyll degradation dynamics in Arabidopsis Col-0 plants upon

herbicide treatment analysed with VNIR hyperspectral imaging.

Analysed parametres• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

• Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)

• Optimized Soil -Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI)

• Modified Chlorophyll Absorption in Reflectance Index (MCARI1)

• Water content

• Nitrogen status

Key features• Spectral range covers wavelengts from 400 to

2,500 nm (visible, near -infrared and short -wavelength of infrared region)

• Specific light illumination source

• Top and side view configuration possible

• Pixel -by -pixel spectral profile

• Line scanner operation

• Programmable measuring protocols

• Automatic analysis of defined parameters

Hyperspectral ImagingHyperspectral imaging has been used for many years

to study patterns of plant growth from satellite imaging.

This technology has been refined in PSI’s PlantScreenTM

Phenotyping Systems to provide hyperspectral image

analysis of plants on a pixel by pixel basis in spectral

range from 400 to 2,500 nm. Using a hyperspectral

camera with image analysis software, plant reflective

indices can be visualized across the entire surface of the

imaged sample(s). These indices may be correlated with

numerous physiological conditions, as well as the status

of the plant or leaf with respect to content of chlorophyll,

other accessory pigments or leaf water content.

The PlantScreenTM hyperspectral imaging station allows

the user to acquire a full spectral scan across the entire

spectral range of the camera for each pixel of the image.

Alternatively, the user may select specific wavelengths

of interest to record reflective indices that may be

correlated with, for example, leaf nitrogen status, or the

production of anthocyanin to protect Photosystem II

under high light stress.

Head Office:

PSI (Photon Systems Instruments), spol. s r.o. Drasov 470664 24 Drasov Czech Republic

E-Mail: [email protected]

www.psi.cz

US Branch Office:

Photon Systems Instruments LLC801 University Avenue S.E., Suite 100 Albuquerque, NM 87106USA

E-Mail: [email protected]

www.psi-us.org