Imaging plants dynamics in heterogenic environments

Noninvasive imaging sensors and computer vision approaches are key technologies to quantify plant structure, physiological status, and performance. Today, imaging sensors exploit a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and they can be deployed to measure a growing number of traits, also in heterogenic environments. Recent advances include the possibility to acquire high-resolution spectra by imaging spectroscopy and classify signatures that might be informative of plant development, nutrition, health, and disease. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of surfaces and volume is of particular interest, enabling functional and mechanistic analyses. While taking pictures is relatively easy, quantitative interpretation often remains challenging and requires integrating knowledge of sensor physics, image analysis, and complex traits characterizing plant phenotypes.

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► Noninvasive imaging is an essential tool for plant biologists.
► Available sensors allow quantifying plant structure and function.
► Knowledge of sensors physics and proper data interpretation remain crucial.
► Current applications encompass both controlled environments and field.
► Development of imaging methods will continue playing a key role in plant phenomics.