Agar Root Phenotyping System

The Agar Root Phenotyping System represents a groundbreaking solution that redefines approaches to root research. Driven by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the system effortlesly handles PSI-developed Petri plates around the clock, throughout the every step of the phenotyping process. This encompasses tasks ranging from agar pouring and robotic seed sowing to the precise application of bacteria at the root-stem interface, and to comprehensive phenotypic evaluation conducted at various imaging stations.

Reduce lab work, increase scientific exploration

Fully automated root & shoot screening system

Automation through robotic manipulation

Plants grown in vitro on agar plates

Comprehensive end-to-end workflow solution

Precise robotic seeding and seed sorting

Exact application of liquid solutions onto the specific root site

High-content imaging of multiple fluorescence proteins

High-resolution imaging of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics

Absorption and fluorescence hyperspectral imaging

Cutting-edge neural network-based root image analysis

Agar Root Phenotyping System The Agar Root Phenotyping System is designed for high-throughput, automated, software-controlled phenotyping of plants grown in vitro. The system is customized for efficient operation with PSI developed square Petri plates, and can accommodate thousands of plates at full capacity.

The Agar Root Phenotyping System is engineered to offer a comprehensive end-to-end workflow solution requiring no human intervention. The process initiates with sample preparation and cultivation, encompassing tasks such as media pouring and automated robotic seeding. It progresses through stratification at 5 °C to long-term cultivation of samples in “Growth Hotels”. Complete automation through robotic manipulation facilitates the integration of multiple imaging stations. These enable continuous non-invasive monitoring of root morphology, the detection of expression of various fluorescent proteins in plant roots, and the measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics in plant shoots. Uniquely, the system also includes fluorescence hyperspectral imaging of coumarins production. Additionally, it incorporates an application station that enables the sterile application of bacteria to a specified root site. The entire system is could be designed with an emphasis on sterility, and manipulation with GMO plants and bacteria.

Effortless Plate Preparation

The cutting-edge platform is equipped with an automated agar pouring mechanism, guaranteeing precise filling of media from a commercial media preparation device. The station relies on two SCARA robots and conveyor belts to manage all aspects of sterile plate handling, eliminating the need for human intervention. Additionally, the platform includes a seeding robot, Boxeed, which sows seeds onto the agar in precise accordance with predefined parameters. The process involves image analysis of each seed to identify and select viable individuals.

Optimized Growth Environments

The Growth Hotel is equipped with multichannel LED illumination. Irradiance (up to 500 µmol.m-2.s-1), spectral quality and specific light regimes are adjustable for each shelf and each color channel separately via a user-friendly interface.

A dedicated section within the growing space is responsible for controlling seed stratification at a precisely maintained temperature of 5°C.

Cutting-Edge Imaging Insights

The state-of-the-art AI technology is utilized to analyze traits from the acquired images. The software employs one of the most renowned computer vision methods, Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs), to effectively segment root objects from the background.

Unique Bacterial Inoculation

For easier and user friendly control, system is equipped with Human Machine Interface with touch-screen display. Scheduling assistant with calendar function allows running multiple experiments simultaneously, provides different modes for experiment randomization, for treatment per plant or group of plants with different experimental protocols and plant handling. Software also allows users to set amount of media poured into plate and adjust seeding and pipetting protocols.

All acquired imaging, sedding and manipulation data are stored in an SQL database, processed and available for inspection and further analysis in range of seconds after recording via user-friendly graphical interface. PlantScreen TM Data Analyser provides tools for data browsing, grouping, analysis, user-defined reprocessing and export. Multiple clients can be connected to the database, with different privileges assigned based on a built-in authentication mechanism. An SMS and mail notification service is integral part of the complete phenotyping system. 24-hour online support service is key component of the PlantScreen TM phenotyping solution.