Home › Botany › RGB and Spectral Root Imaging for Plant Phenotyping and Physiological Research: Experimental Setup and Imaging Protocols
Botany JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

RGB and Spectral Root Imaging for Plant Phenotyping and Physiological Research: Experimental Setup and Imaging Protocols

DOI: 10.3791/56251-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Set up rhizoboxes and environmental controls for soil-grown plant root imaging
  • ✓ Acquire time-series RGB images to visualize root system dynamics
  • ✓ Collect hyperspectral data and apply chemometric analysis to root phenotypes
Protocol

An experimental protocol is presented for assessment of soil grown plant root systems with RGB and hyperspectral imaging. Combination of RGB image time series with chemometric information from hyperspectral scans optimizes insights into plant root dynamics.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~4–6 weeks (plant growth and imaging period)
Model organism
Plant (soil-grown root system)

Steps

1
Construct rhizoboxes for plant growth

Assemble rhizoboxes with appropriate soil medium and environmental containment for controlled root observation. This setup allows direct visual access to developing root systems.

▶ 01:11
2
Configure climate room environment controls

Set up climate chamber with controlled temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions to maintain consistent plant growth parameters throughout imaging experiments.

▶ 03:25
3
Perform RGB root imaging and time series

Capture sequential RGB images of root systems over time using standardized camera setup and protocols to document root growth dynamics and phenotypic changes.

▶ 04:15
4
Acquire hyperspectral imaging data of roots

Use hyperspectral imaging system to collect spectral reflectance data across root tissues, enabling chemometric analysis of physiological properties and root status.

▶ 06:10
5
Analyze root phenotypes using combined imaging data

Integrate RGB time-series and hyperspectral chemometric information to characterize root system morphology, physiology, and phenotypic traits.

▶ 09:00
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