Optimizing Crop Production With Plant Phenomics Through High-Throughput Phenotyping and AI in Controlled Environments

Abstract

Plant phenomics deals with the measurement of plant phenotypes associated with genetic and environmental variation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Encompassing a spectrum from molecular biology to ecosystem-level studies, it employs high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) approaches to quickly evaluate characteristics and enhance the yields of crops in smart plant facilities. HTP uses environmental parameters for accuracy, such as software sensors, as well as hyperspectral imaging for pigment data, thermal imaging for water content, and fluorescence imaging for photosynthesis rates. They provide information on growth kinetics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and genotype–environment interaction. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are used on a large volume of phenotypic data to predict growth rates, determine the optimal time to water plants, or detect diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or pests at an early stage. The lighting used in smart plant factories is adjusted based on the specific growth phase of the plants, such as using different light intensities, spectrums, and durations for germination, vegetative growth, and flowering stages, hydroponics as the method of providing nutrients, and CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) for improving certain characteristics, such as resistance to drought. These systems enhance crop production, yields, adaptability, and input use by optimizing the environment and utilizing precision breeding techniques. Plant phenomics with AI is a combination of several disciplines, promoting the understanding of plant–environment interactions in relation to agriculture problems such as resource use, diseases, and climate change. It affects their capacity to develop crops that capture inputs, minimize chemical application, and are resilient to climate change. Phenomics is cost-effective, reduces inputs, and contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices, being economically and environmentally sound. Altogether, plant phenomics is central to CEA due to its capacity to capitalize on phenotypic data and genetic potential within agriculture to advance sustainability and food security. Through phenomic research, the next advancements are likely to be even more revolutionary in terms of agricultural practices and food systems worldwide.