Currently, 20% of the world’s arable land is affected by salinity in the soil, representing grave environmental stress that negatively affects the productivity of crops. Considering the forecast that by 2050 the rising soil salinization will influence over 50% of all of the global arable landmass, whilst global population is growing faster than ever before, we can conclude this is a pressing issue.
The WPS digital phenotyping system is the most complete and versatile system on the market, giving researchers the unique ability to fully control every parameter in an experiment. The turnkey solution is designed to work alongside and fully document the growth cycle of the plants, using advanced imaging techniques.
A recent study published in the Computers and Electrics in Agriculture journal by Yi Lin (2015) discussed the potential of LiDAR technology in plant phenotyping. Although current limitations of the LiDAR technology are well known, the review study focusses on the future potential of the technique, based on continuous research and development.
Phenotyping can be defined as: G + E = P. Meaning, the phenotype (P) of an organism (in this case a plant) is the result of the genotype (G), the physiological traits of a plant, and the environment (E) it is growing in. Therefore, the study of the combination of these factors is called Phenotyping. In this simplified definition, the answer to the question mentioned above can be found.
Gerbera producer LG Flowers (the Netherlands) saw an opportunity to effect a labour saving change in the processing of gerberas. WPS and LG Flowers have together designed a system that fully meets the needs of the latter company. The basic principles governing the design of the WPS processing system were: a faster response to customer orders, a more stable working environment, continuous supply to the cut flower processing lines and creating sufficient stock for an hour’s work.