Plant Root Phenotyping

Plant Root Phenotyping


Program:
IDEAS
Award:
$499,833
Location:
Durham, North Carolina
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
05/05/2016 - 11/10/2017

Technology Description:

Hi Fidelity Genetics will develop a low-cost device to measure the characteristics of plant roots and the environmental conditions that affect their development. Their device, called the "RootTracker," is a cylindrical, cage-like structure equipped with sensors on the rings of the cage. Before a seed is planted, farmers can push or twist the RootTracker directly into the soil. A seed is then planted at the top of the cage, allowing the plant to grow naturally while sensors accurately measure root density, growth angles, and growth rates, while having minimal impact on the growth of the plant. The prototype includes additional sensors attached to a removable, reusable rod to monitor environmental conditions. Data gathered by the device can be transmitted wirelessly or recorded internally using a low-cost microcontroller charged by solar power. The main technical challenge is automatically adjusting the calibration of the sensors, which are affected by soil type, soil moisture, and other environmental conditions that can disrupt the signal produced by the sensor. Another challenge is to distinguish between different types of biological matter. The team will also develop software for processing the data generated by the device and conduct laboratory and field tests to assess the performance of the prototype. Data collected by the device will help breeders further optimize root system architecture, which should lead to more energy-efficient crop varieties.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Joe Cornelius
Project Contact:
Dr. Philip Benfey
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
philip.benfey@duke.edu

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