Shovelomics: Measuring potato root traits in the ridge
Problem: The root system architecture and its interactions with soil microorganisms play a key role in crop performance, particularly in the capture of water and mineral elements. Studying roots is more complicated than studying the above-ground parts.
Solution: To facilitate the complex study of root systems, the shovelomics method was validated.
Principle: The Shovelomics method measures root traits on plants sampled with a spade. With this simple method, we can access the 3D architecture of the main roots growing into the ridge.
Benefits: Using shovelomics, root traits can be measured in 0 to 20 cm depth in the ridge. The parameters are measured by hand and software is required to measure the root length and root diameter automatically.
For more information, please see: https://zenodo.org/records/13584451
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