Why Phenotyping ?
What is phenotyping
Plant phenotyping is the process of studying and measuring the physical characteristics of plants, such as their growth, development, and response to environmental factors. This field is important for a variety of reasons, but one of the most significant is its potential to help ease the situation of food security.
Food security issue we are facing
Having the global population growing rapidly and reaching almost 8 billion, global food security has become a serious concern. There is an increasing need to produce more food to meet the demand. However, this can be difficult due to a variety of factors, including limited land and water resources, pests and diseases, and the impact of climate change. Plant phenotyping can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing valuable information about the characteristics of different plant species and varieties.
How phenotyping can be helpful
For example, plant phenotyping can help identify which plant varieties are most resistant to pests and diseases, or are best suited to grow in different types of soils and climates. This information can be used to develop new crop varieties that are better able to withstand the challenges of the modern world and produce more abundant harvests
In addition, plant phenotyping can provide insights into how plants respond to different environmental conditions, such as variations in temperature, humidity, and light levels. This information can be used to develop more efficient and sustainable farming practices, such as precision irrigation and fertilization, that can help increase crop yields while conserving natural resources..
(A customized index derived from hyperspectral images that can differentiate stress caused by Dicamba from 2,4-D stress)
Overall, plant phenotyping is a valuable tool for understanding and improving the performance of plants in different environments. By leveraging the insights gained through this field, we can not only bring plant research to the next level but also help solve some practical issues and contribute to the greater good for all mankind.