Plant Phenomics Instrumentation

Unique in Hungary and the region, the internationally leading plant phenomics and photobiological instrumentation is suitable for high-throughput investigation of plant/algae morphology, growth, and physiological state using imaging and biophysical methods. The infrastructure includes color (RGB), chlorophyll and protein (GFP) fluorescence, bioluminescence, infrared, hyperspectral imaging sensors, laser scanning, microscopic (RGB+fluorescence) imaging combined with microfluidic devices for single-cell characterization of algae, as well as photosynthetic activity measuring instruments.

I. Automatic plant phenotyping system

 (Contact:  Imre Vass, vass.imre@brc.hu)

Capacity: 100-400 medium and large plants (wheat, corn, tomato, potato, rapeseed, etc.).

Elements of the system: (i) an automatic plant moving conveyor, (ii) an automatic irrigation system programmable at the individual plant level, (iii) an imaging system with color (RGB) side and top cameras and a laser scanner, (iv) a separate root scanner.

Applicable for: Precision monitoring of plant growth-influencing factors, such as nutrient supply, biostimulants, soil pollutants, abiotic stress factors (water shortage, salt and heavy metals, etc.), at the level of above-ground plant parts (leaf/stem) and, in the case of the root system, at the level of individual plants.

II. Automatic small-plant and root phenotyping system

(Contact: László Szabados, szabados.laszlo@brc.hu)

Capacity: max. 400 small plants (e.g., Arabidopsis).

Elements of the system: (i) climate-controlled plant growth chamber, (ii) irrigation system programmable at individual plant level, (iii) wide range of sensors (color (RGB), variable chlorophyll fluorescence, infrared, hyperspectral top-position cameras). (iv) rhizotron cassettes suitable for plant growth, in which the root system and above-ground parts of the plant are visible simultaneously.

Applicable for: To follow the morphology, development, root structure, photosynthetic activity, and physiological state of different plant lines under controlled conditions, e.g., under the influence of stress factors.

III. Microalga phenotyping system
(Contact: Imre Vass, vass.imre@brc.hu)

Elements of the system: :(i) a hyperspectral camera for the analysis of the pigment composition of algal cultures, (ii) a “multi-well plate”-based photosynthesis measurement system, (ii) microscopic (RGB and chlorophyll fluorescence) imaging combined with microfluidic chambers.

Applicable for: For the analysis of the morphology, division processes, and photosynthetic activity of microalgae cells at the single-cell level.