Minirhizotron method: Measuring the dynamics of root traits
Problem: Conventional root measurement methods rely on destructive sampling, which is time-consuming and prevents monitoring living roots over time. This limits the ability to study root dynamics and their contribution to crop resilience.
Solution: The minirhizotron method uses transparent soil tubes and a rotary scanner to capture images of roots at different depths. ARVALIS has developed dedicated software with deep learning algorithms to extract traits such as root length, density, and diameter.
Benefits: This non-destructive technique enables continuous and objective monitoring of root growth, including deep roots (30–100 cm). While not a high-throughput method, it provides reliable data across arable crops and supports research into crop performance under stress.
For more information, please see: https://zenodo.org/records/13883914
Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change
Ongoing | 2022-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Morocco, South Africa