Affordable and robust phenotyping framework to analyse root system architecture of soil-grown plants.

Abstract

SUMMARY The phenotypic analysis of root system growth is important to inform efforts to enhance plant resource acquisition from soils; however, root phenotyping remains challenging because of the opacity of soil, requiring systems that facilitate root system visibility and image acquisition. Previously reported systems require costly or bespoke materials not available in most countries, where breeders need tools to select varieties best adapted to local soils and field conditions. Here, we report an affordable soil‐based growth (rhizobox) and imaging system to phenotype root development in glasshouses or shelters. All components of the system are made from locally available commodity components, facilitating the adoption of this affordable technology in low‐income countries. The rhizobox is large enough (approximately 6000 cm 2 of visible soil) to avoid restricting vertical root system growth for most if not all of the life cycle, yet light enough (approximately 21 kg when filled with soil) for routine handling. Support structures and an imaging station, with five cameras covering the whole soil surface, complement the rhizoboxes. Images are acquired via the Phenotiki sensor interface, collected, stitched and analysed. Root system architecture (RSA) parameters are quantified without intervention. The RSAs of a dicot species ( Cicer arietinum , chickpea) and a monocot species ( Hordeum vulgare , barley), exhibiting contrasting root systems, were analysed. Insights into root system dynamics during vegetative and reproductive stages of the chickpea life cycle were obtained. This affordable system is relevant for efforts in Ethiopia and other low‐ and middle‐income countries to enhance crop yields and climate resilience sustainably.

Plant phenotyping relevance

土壌栽培植物の根系構造を画像取得・解析する、低コストのrhizoboxおよび多カメラ撮像システムを開発しており、根系形態の定量化が研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The paper's data availability statement deposits software, test data, and rhizobox CAD files publicly at the Edinburgh DataShare DOI 10.7488/ds/2841, and materials are also linked at chickpearoots.org/resourcesandlinks. The analysis pipeline code itself is only available on request.