Phenomic Approaches and Tools for Phytopathologists

Phytopathology. 2017 Jan;107(1):6-17. doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-02-16-0082-RVW. Epub 2016 Oct 26.

Abstract

Plant phenomics approaches aim to measure traits such as growth, performance, and composition of plants using a suite of noninvasive technologies. The goal is to link phenotypic traits to the genetic information for particular genotypes, thus creating the bridge between the phenome and genome. Application of sensing technologies for detecting specific phenotypic reactions occurring during plant-pathogen interaction offers new opportunities for elucidating the physiological mechanisms that link pathogen infection and disease symptoms in the host, and also provides a faster approach in the selection of genetic material that is resistant to specific pathogens or strains. Appropriate phenomics methods and tools may also allow presymptomatic detection of disease-related changes in plants or to identify changes that are not visually apparent. This review focuses on the use of sensor-based phenomics tools in plant pathology such as those related to digital imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, spectral imaging, and thermal imaging. A brief introduction is provided for less used approaches like magnetic resonance, soft x-ray imaging, ultrasound, and detection of volatile compounds. We hope that this concise review will stimulate further development and use of tools for automatic, nondestructive, and high-throughput phenotyping of plant-pathogen interaction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genomics*
  • Genotype
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Optical Imaging
  • Phenotype*
  • Plant Diseases / genetics*
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena
  • Plants / anatomy & histology
  • Plants / genetics*
  • Plants / microbiology
  • Thermography