Sensor-to-Plant phenotyping

Manual phenotyping is subject to variability, requires significant labor, and limits the scalability of experiments. With automated Sensor-to-Plant systems, you increase research throughput while collecting consistent data across time and space.

Because measurements are performed at fixed intervals and under controlled conditions, data remains consistent throughout the experiment. This increases sample size, reduces subjectivity, and provides greater control over environmental variables without additional manual labor.

Sensor-to-Plant phenotyping is particularly suitable for fundamental research, breeding programs, product development, and physiological studies.

Depending on your research objective, both visual and physiological plant traits can be measured. Visual phenotyping focuses on characteristics such as plant height, shape, color, leaf area, and flower or fruit development. These parameters provide insight into growth, uniformity, and morphological variation.

In combination with additional sensors and lysimeters, physiological processes such as photosynthesis, transpiration, biomass accumulation, and water use efficiency can also be monitored. This creates a more complete understanding of how plants respond to environmental conditions and treatments.

A Sensor-to-Plant system typically consists of an automated gantry structure that moves along a rail. Sensors scan plants from above or from multiple angles while the crop remains stationary.

Key infrastructure characteristics include:

• Fixed plant positions for full traceability
• Flexible pot size and layout configurations
• Integration with lysimeters for continuous measurements

Because plants remain in a fixed location, traceability is linked to their position, which is ideal for longitudinal studies.

Not every sensor configuration is suitable for every research objective. WPS always begins with your research question. As a system integrator, we design complete phenotyping solutions in which sensor technology, automation, and data processing operate seamlessly as one system.

For sensor technology, we collaborate with specialized partners. Based on factors such as required resolution, measurement frequency, and target plant traits, we determine the most suitable imaging technologies. These may include 2D imaging, 3D imaging, multispectral imaging, and thermal measurements.

Multiple sensor data streams can be integrated into one cohesive dataset. RGB images provide rapid visual information, 3D measurements enable precise volume calculations, and thermal data reveals plant stress and physiological differences.

The choice for Sensor-to-Plant phenotyping strongly depends on the research objective. Factors such as target plant traits, required level of automation, and experiment scale play a critical role. Experimental design and desired data quality must also be considered.

Practical conditions are equally important, including available space, crop type, budget, and available personnel. WPS supports researchers in evaluating these factors and translates research goals into a technically sound and practical system design.

Binnen geautomatiseerd fenotyperen zijn er twee hoofdconcepten: Sensor-to-Plant en Plant-to-Sensor.

Sensor-to-Plant is met name geschikt wanneer:

het gewas op één plek moet blijven staan
gecontroleerde groeiomstandigheden cruciaal zijn
hoge meetfrequentie gewenst is
fysiologische metingen gecombineerd worden met imaging

Plant-to-Sensor is juist interessant wanneer planten eenvoudig verplaatst kunnen worden en maximale uniformiteit in meetcondities gewenst is.