Aachen, Germany
June 28, 2016

Hyperspectral imaging, the process of capturing images from beyond the visible light spectrum, is widely used for remote imaging of plants. It allows scientists to extract detailed information about the composition and condition of plants under varying imaging conditions such as changing sunlight.

LemnaTec’s 3D Scanalyzer system deploys hyperspectral imaging, under highly controlled illumination conditions, to provide high spectral resolutions across a specified range of frequencies. This results in full-spectrum datasets for each individual pixel of an image. Typical images captured at wavelengths between 400nm and 2500nm provide a spectral resolution of between 1nm and 10nm.

If the absorption and reflectance spectra of substances like chlorophyll or anthocyans  are identified, hyperspectral images can provide a quantitative value for substance concentration. These values can then be linked to specific plant conditions such as biotic or abiotic stressors, senescence, nutrient deficiencies or different stages of ripeness.

Special algorithms can then be used to search for patterns relating to similarities to or deviations from control plants. This approach minimises the need for extensive calibrations and retains the flexibility to detect truly new and innovative traits.    

Website: http://www.lemnatec.de

Published: June 28, 2016