Automatic phenotyping pipeline
In the field of phytobiology—specifically rhizology—the study of plant root networks offers valuable insights into the effects of disease and pests on nutrient delivery in plants. This device enables a high-throughput analysis pipeline by capturing high-resolution images of seed germination and vegetative growth cycles across multiple samples. It was developed to enable agricultural researchers and potentially seed banks to analyze plant root growth characteristics for genetically modified seed batches. The images are processed by a segmentation neural network to extract features such as root growth speed, root hair formation, growth patterns, and root length. The system includes a 2-axis camera gantry and a 2-axis petri dish carousel. Each slot features programmable RGB lighting channels and a temperature-controlled surface to minimize condensation on petri dish lids. The entire system runs on a programmable schedule set via a PC-based user interface.