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Harandi N, Vandenberghe B, Vankerschaver J, Depuydt S, Van Messem A. How to make sense of 3D representations for plant phenotyping: a compendium of processing and analysis techniques. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:60. [PMID: 37353846 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-01031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Computer vision technology is moving more and more towards a three-dimensional approach, and plant phenotyping is following this trend. However, despite its potential, the complexity of the analysis of 3D representations has been the main bottleneck hindering the wider deployment of 3D plant phenotyping. In this review we provide an overview of typical steps for the processing and analysis of 3D representations of plants, to offer potential users of 3D phenotyping a first gateway into its application, and to stimulate its further development. We focus on plant phenotyping applications where the goal is to measure characteristics of single plants or crop canopies on a small scale in research settings, as opposed to large scale crop monitoring in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Harandi
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, 119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S9, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Joris Vankerschaver
- Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, Ghent University Global Campus, 119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S9, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Erasmus Applied University of Sciences and Arts, Campus Kaai, Nijverheidskaai 170, Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Arnout Van Messem
- Department of Mathematics, Université de Liège, Allée de la Découverte 12, Liège, Belgium.
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Wu Q, Wu J, Hu P, Zhang W, Ma Y, Yu K, Guo Y, Cao J, Li H, Li B, Yao Y, Cao H, Zhang W. Quantification of the three-dimensional root system architecture using an automated rotating imaging system. PLANT METHODS 2023; 19:11. [PMID: 36732764 PMCID: PMC9896698 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-023-00988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crop breeding based on root system architecture (RSA) optimization is an essential factor for improving crop production in developing countries. Identification, evaluation, and selection of root traits of soil-grown crops require innovations that enable high-throughput and accurate quantification of three-dimensional (3D) RSA of crops over developmental time. RESULTS We proposed an automated imaging system and 3D imaging data processing pipeline to quantify the 3D RSA of soil-grown individual plants across seedlings to the mature stage. A multi-view automated imaging system composed of a rotary table and an imaging arm with 12 cameras mounted with a combination of fan-shaped and vertical distribution was developed to obtain 3D image data of roots grown on a customized root support mesh. A 3D imaging data processing pipeline was developed to quantify the 3D RSA based on the point cloud generated from multi-view images. The global architecture of root systems can be quantified automatically. Detailed analysis of the reconstructed 3D root model also allowed us to investigate the Spatio-temporal distribution of roots. A method combining horizontal slicing and iterative erosion and dilation was developed to automatically segment different root types, and identify local root traits (e.g., length, diameter of the main root, and length, diameter, initial angle, and the number of nodal roots or lateral roots). One maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar and two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars at different growth stages were selected to test the performance of the automated imaging system and 3D imaging data processing pipeline. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated the capabilities of the proposed imaging and analytical system for high-throughput phenotyping of root traits for both monocotyledons and dicotyledons across growth stages. The proposed system offers a potential tool to further explore the 3D RSA for improving root traits and agronomic qualities of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Plant Phenomics Research Center, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengcheng Hu
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Weixin Zhang
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuntao Ma
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Kun Yu
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, Institute of Germplasm Resources and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huayong Li
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, Institute of Germplasm Resources and Biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baiming Li
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuyang Yao
- College of Electronics & Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxin Cao
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- IGRB-IAI Joint Laboratory of Germplasm Resources Innovation & Information Utilization, YuanQi-IAI Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Digital Twin, Institute of Agricultural Information, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
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Dowd TG, Li M, Bagnall GC, Johnston A, Topp CN. Root system architecture and environmental flux analysis in mature crops using 3D root mesocosms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1041404. [PMID: 36589101 PMCID: PMC9800027 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1041404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Current methods of root sampling typically only obtain small or incomplete sections of root systems and do not capture their true complexity. To facilitate the visualization and analysis of full-sized plant root systems in 3-dimensions, we developed customized mesocosm growth containers. While highly scalable, the design presented here uses an internal volume of 45 ft3 (1.27 m3), suitable for large crop and bioenergy grass root systems to grow largely unconstrained. Furthermore, they allow for the excavation and preservation of 3-dimensional root system architecture (RSA), and facilitate the collection of time-resolved subterranean environmental data. Sensor arrays monitoring matric potential, temperature and CO2 levels are buried in a grid formation at various depths to assess environmental fluxes at regular intervals. Methods of 3D data visualization of fluxes were developed to allow for comparison with root system architectural traits. Following harvest, the recovered root system can be digitally reconstructed in 3D through photogrammetry, which is an inexpensive method requiring only an appropriate studio space and a digital camera. We developed a pipeline to extract features from the 3D point clouds, or from derived skeletons that include point cloud voxel number as a proxy for biomass, total root system length, volume, depth, convex hull volume and solidity as a function of depth. Ground-truthing these features with biomass measurements from manually dissected root systems showed a high correlation. We evaluated switchgrass, maize, and sorghum root systems to highlight the capability for species wide comparisons. We focused on two switchgrass ecotypes, upland (VS16) and lowland (WBC3), in identical environments to demonstrate widely different root system architectures that may be indicative of core differences in their rhizoeconomic foraging strategies. Finally, we imposed a strong physiological water stress and manipulated the growth medium to demonstrate whole root system plasticity in response to environmental stimuli. Hence, these new "3D Root Mesocosms" and accompanying computational analysis provides a new paradigm for study of mature crop systems and the environmental fluxes that shape them.
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Herrero-Huerta M, Raumonen P, Gonzalez-Aguilera D. 4DRoot: Root phenotyping software for temporal 3D scans by X-ray computed tomography. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:986856. [PMID: 36212319 PMCID: PMC9539560 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.986856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Currently, plant phenomics is considered the key to reducing the genotype-to-phenotype knowledge gap in plant breeding. In this context, breakthrough imaging technologies have demonstrated high accuracy and reliability. The X-ray computed tomography (CT) technology can noninvasively scan roots in 3D; however, it is urgently required to implement high-throughput phenotyping procedures and analyses to increase the amount of data to measure more complex root phenotypic traits. We have developed a spatial-temporal root architectural modeling software tool based on 4D data from temporal X-ray CT scans. Through a cylinder fitting, we automatically extract significant root architectural traits, distribution, and hierarchy. The open-source software tool is named 4DRoot and implemented in MATLAB. The source code is freely available at https://github.com/TIDOP-USAL/4DRoot. In this research, 3D root scans from the black walnut tree were analyzed, a punctual scan for the spatial study and a weekly time-slot series for the temporal one. 4DRoot provides breeders and root biologists an objective and useful tool to quantify carbon sequestration throw trait extraction. In addition, 4DRoot could help plant breeders to improve plants to meet the food, fuel, and fiber demands in the future, in order to increase crop yield while reducing farming inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Herrero-Huerta
- Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, Universidad de Salamanca, Ávila, Spain
| | - Pasi Raumonen
- Department of Computing Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera
- Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, Universidad de Salamanca, Ávila, Spain
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Griffiths M, Delory BM, Jawahir V, Wong KM, Bagnall GC, Dowd TG, Nusinow DA, Miller AJ, Topp CN. Optimisation of root traits to provide enhanced ecosystem services in agricultural systems: A focus on cover crops. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:751-770. [PMID: 34914117 PMCID: PMC9306666 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Roots are the interface between the plant and the soil and play a central role in multiple ecosystem processes. With intensification of agricultural practices, rhizosphere processes are being disrupted and are causing degradation of the physical, chemical and biotic properties of soil. However, cover crops, a group of plants that provide ecosystem services, can be utilised during fallow periods or used as an intercrop to restore soil health. The effectiveness of ecosystem services provided by cover crops varies widely as very little breeding has occurred in these species. Improvement of ecosystem service performance is rarely considered as a breeding trait due to the complexities and challenges of belowground evaluation. Advancements in root phenotyping and genetic tools are critical in accelerating ecosystem service improvement in cover crops. In this study, we provide an overview of the range of belowground ecosystem services provided by cover crop roots: (1) soil structural remediation, (2) capture of soil resources and (3) maintenance of the rhizosphere and building of organic matter content. Based on the ecosystem services described, we outline current and promising phenotyping technologies and breeding strategies in cover crops that can enhance agricultural sustainability through improvement of root traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kong M. Wong
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Tyler G. Dowd
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Allison J. Miller
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of BiologySaint Louis UniversitySt. LouisMissouriUSA
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Herrero-Huerta M, Meline V, Iyer-Pascuzzi AS, Souza AM, Tuinstra MR, Yang Y. 4D Structural root architecture modeling from digital twins by X-Ray Computed Tomography. PLANT METHODS 2021; 17:123. [PMID: 34863243 PMCID: PMC8642944 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-021-00819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breakthrough imaging technologies may challenge the plant phenotyping bottleneck regarding marker-assisted breeding and genetic mapping. In this context, X-Ray CT (computed tomography) technology can accurately obtain the digital twin of root system architecture (RSA) but computational methods to quantify RSA traits and analyze their changes over time are limited. RSA traits extremely affect agricultural productivity. We develop a spatial-temporal root architectural modeling method based on 4D data from X-ray CT. This novel approach is optimized for high-throughput phenotyping considering the cost-effective time to process the data and the accuracy and robustness of the results. Significant root architectural traits, including root elongation rate, number, length, growth angle, height, diameter, branching map, and volume of axial and lateral roots are extracted from the model based on the digital twin. Our pipeline is divided into two major steps: (i) first, we compute the curve-skeleton based on a constrained Laplacian smoothing algorithm. This skeletal structure determines the registration of the roots over time; (ii) subsequently, the RSA is robustly modeled by a cylindrical fitting to spatially quantify several traits. The experiment was carried out at the Ag Alumni Seed Phenotyping Facility (AAPF) from Purdue University in West Lafayette (IN, USA). RESULTS Roots from three samples of tomato plants at two different times and three samples of corn plants at three different times were scanned. Regarding the first step, the PCA analysis of the skeleton is able to accurately and robustly register temporal roots. From the second step, several traits were computed. Two of them were accurately validated using the root digital twin as a ground truth against the cylindrical model: number of branches (RRMSE better than 9%) and volume, reaching a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.84 and a P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS The experimental results support the viability of the developed methodology, being able to provide scalability to a comprehensive analysis in order to perform high throughput root phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Herrero-Huerta
- Institute for Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Valerian Meline
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Augusto M. Souza
- Institute for Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Mitchell R. Tuinstra
- Institute for Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute for Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
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Introduction to emerging technologies in plant science. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:177-178. [PMID: 34027975 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an array of new technologies is propelling plant science in exciting directions and facilitating the integration of data across multiple scales. These tools come at a critical time. With an expanding global population and the need to provide food in sustainable ways, we as a civilization will be asking more of plants and plant biologists than ever before. This special issue on emerging technologies in plant science brings together a set of reviews that spotlight a range of approaches that are changing how we ask questions and allow scientific inquiry from macromolecular to ecosystem scales.
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