In March 2024, CROPINNO project successfully hosted a 3-day training school at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany, aimed at equipping researchers with state-of-the-art plant phenotyping techniques. Participants gained hands-on experience in both root and shoot phenotyping, essential for understanding plant growth and responses to environmental challenges.

The training covered a wide range of topics, from non-destructive root imaging using rhizotrons and agar plates to advanced image analysis techniques. Participants learned how to establish robust root phenotyping experiments, including soil preparation, container filling, and data acquisition. Complementing these methods, destructive sampling techniques were demonstrated to provide detailed root trait measurements.

For shoot phenotyping, participants explored the use of non-invasive tools such as FluorPen, PolyPen, and SPAD to assess chlorophyll fluorescence, spectral reflectance, and chlorophyll content. These measurements were complemented by destructive methods like leaf scanning and biomass determination.

To ensure effective data management and analysis, the training concluded with sessions on data export and statistical analysis using R-scripts. This empowered participants to extract meaningful insights from their phenotyping data.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, this training school has significantly contributed to the advancement of plant phenotyping research. We believe that the skills acquired by participants will be instrumental in addressing global challenges related to agriculture, climate change, and food security.