Thermography as non invasive functional imaging for monitoring seedling growth

We demonstrate the value of thermal imaging for monitoring growth of seedling organs. An automated procedure is introduced to perform the segmentation of the organs of the seedlings from the thermal contrasts in the images. Results of the automated procedure were assessed visually by expert operators in a separate procedure. This constitutes a new application of thermal imaging as a non invasive imaging providing functional information on the physiology of the seedlings.

► The interest of thermal imaging is demonstrated for monitoring seedling organs growth.
► An automated procedure is introduced to perform the segmentation of the organs.
► Automated procedure is in good accordance with expert operators notations.
► Thermal contrasts appear as providing functional information on the seedlings physiology.