DEEPERAn integrative phenotyping platform for deeper roots

RootRobotA tractor driven, automatic device that will excavated and clean root crowns from the field, completing the processing of one plant every six seconds. A separate stationary imaging unit will collect 3600 images of each root crown. Images will be uploaded to CyVerse for processing via DIRT3D.

3D models are constructed from images of root crowns. The number and resolution of these images allows for the ex-traction of phenes, such as root length, number, and diame-ter. We are able to measure traits previously undetectable by 2D methods, allowing for better exploration of the root crowns.

LEADER

Anatomics

DeepGenes

OpenSimRoot

Current iterations of OpenSimRoot are avail-able on GitLab (rootmodels.gitlab.io). Open-SimRoot is being used for both research and education at multiple institutions. Future it-erations will be released and made publicly available.

OpenSimRoot allows for in silico modeling of architectural and anatomical root phenes. We have modeled a wide array of individual genotypes, using data collected from field trials, and extrapolated the whole root system from root crowns. We have also added a soil impedance model into OpenSimRoot to more accurately and realistically simulate plant root growth under field conditions.

PUBLICDOMAIN

WTMutant

Genes and traits related to root depth, such as ZmCIPK which con-trols root angle, are and will be protected through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Initial gene discovery was completed through GWAS of the Wisconsin Diversity panel of in-breds. Multiple genes are in various stages of validation through mutant and transgenic studies. We are also developing genomic se-lection algorithms by phenotyping large panels of hybrids under multiple stress conditions

Patented genes and traits can be licensed by seed compa-nies through WARF.

Leaf Elemental Accumulation for Deep Roots (LEADER) leverages hand-held X-Ray fluorescence technology to determine leaf elemental content in the field. Using natural gradients of elements in the soil, we will determine root depth based on the elemental content present in leaves. No technology currently exists to reliably measure root depth nondestructively in the field.

PUBLICDOMAINDIRT is currently available in the public

domain on CyVerse. DIRT3D will be de-ployed similarly.

PUBLICDOMAIN

Jonathan LynchKathleen BrownMolly HanlonHannah SchneiderJagdeep SidhuErnst Schaefer

Paul HeinemannDana ChoiXiaomeng ShiMichael Williams

Shawn KaepplerNatalia de LeonDayane Lima

Alexander BuckschSuxing LiuWes Bonelli

Shallow Element

DeepElement

Protocols and methodology for LEADER will be published and public-ly available. The concept should work to assay root depth for all crops. We are working closely with Bruker, the manufacturer of X-Ray fluorescence equipment, to develop LEADER.

LAT is a patented technology that has resulted in a startup company, LATscan. RootScan3D will be publicly available. PUBLIC

DOMAIN

Root anatomical traits are captured using laser ablation tomography (LAT) and analyzed via machine learning algorithms in RootScan3D. Hyperspectral imaging will allow for the identification of root com-position. Using this technology, we have discovered a new trait mul-tiserate cortical schlerenchyma (MCS) that increases root penatra-tion in hard soils (Schneider et. al, PNAS 2021).

As development progresses, we will explore partnerships to market RootRobot. We will discuss with members of our T2M committee from New Holland.

DIRT3D

Lorem ipsum

Malcolm BennettTony PridmoreSacha MooneyRiccardo FusiEzenwoko Benson

Lorem ipsum

Segmentation of a root section (right) by RootS-can3d (left) allows for identification and measure-ment of different cell types in a maize root cross section

A root with MCS (right) versus without (left). Notice the thickening of the cell walls of outer cells.