2nd International Plant Phenotyping Symposium 2011

organized by:

Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Bio- and Geosciences: IBG2 Plant Sciences

Organisms develop by complex interactions of genotypes and environments. The need to characterize the phenome to understand health, disease or yield performance and evolutionary fitness has been recognized in many biological disciplines, yet it lags behind our ability to characterize the genomes.

Plant phenotyping has emerged as a central field of research in academia and industry. A first challenge is establishing robust protocols and screening methods integrating non‐invasive, automated quantification of structural and functional traits. Additional goals are achieving high‐throughput and high‐content information using appropriate experimental designs to establish links between controlled, semi‐controlled and field scenarios. These efforts require parallel development of novel technologies of sensors, and algorithms for automation of analyses. In addition, data and meta‐data need to be captured within comprehensive data management frameworks enabling mining and modeling approaches, and integration with other data types. Thus, state‐of‐the –art plant phenotyping is more than a combination of techniques; it rather develops into a scientific field that has the aim to accurately quantify phenotypic traits prognostic of plant performance in agricultural settings.

Focusing on these themes and providing excellent networking opportunities between users and experts in technologies, the 2nd Plant Phenotyping Symposium will be held at the Forschungszentrum Jülich September 5‐7, 2011. Speakers are encouraged to present integrated views identifying perspectives and challenges, and prioritizing possible working solutions. There will be ample time in the program for interaction and discussion among speakers, poster presenters and other participants. In addition to invited speakers, submitted abstracts will be selected for short presentations.