Complex Combinatorial Effects of Seed Treatments, Genotypes and Environment Quantified through Digital Phenotyping

Seed treatment using additives or biologicals have a crucial role in safeguarding the seed and ensure maximum potential of the genotype either by protecting them from insects, pests, diseases, or even boosting their growth and yield. Effect of these additives in relation to the performance of different genotypes is not studied extensively. Also what impact does the multiple additives applied on the seed have on its performance is difficult to measure.

At PhenoFab we can measure these effects accurately and precisely. Here we present a research where corn seeds received two types of treatments A) fungicides and B) Fungicides and insecticide. These corn plants were grown under two different growing conditions I) under optimum water and II) under water deficit conditions on the PhenoFab machine where daily measurements like shoot and root growth was monitored through digital phenotyping. Results showed that the seed treatments had a significant effect on the growth of the genotypes and this effect was different for different genotypes. Hence the seed treatment needs to be optimized per genotype. This kind of analysis provides a better understanding on the complex combinatorial effects and interactions of seed treatment, genotypes and environment which can be utilized to optimize treatment according to the genotypes.

PhenoFab^® is a registered trademark of Keygene N.V. and Lemnatec GmbH