Why is phenotyping important and how can we gather key information about plants in the field?

A plant’s phenotype results from the interaction of the genotype and a specific environment. Within this context, plant phenotyping is the assessment of multiple plant traits, such as plant physiology, plant architecture, response to biotic and abiotic stress, growth and biochemical properties.

Phenotyping data is required in research, plant breeding, agricultural monitoring, product development of fertilizers/crop protection agents and many more applications.

For obtaining such data a wide variety of different camera systems, eg. high-resolution RGB/ multispectral cameras or even hyperspectral imaging systems are needed. Both visible and NIR range are often used to map plant or vegetation growth, health and nutritional status.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is the most advanced and information-rich technology for detecting weeds, pests, nutrient, water efficiency, and diseases in the early phase.