Morpho-phenology

Motivation to the study

Observing plants is fundamental in modern eco-physiology as a basic starting point for biometry which can be used to parameterize and model plants. This project has been developed to understand how to observe plant development looking at single plants grown in their natural environment. Objectives where understand how to distinguish any part of the selected individuals from other nighbors', which camera to use and settings, parameters camera best placement and re-placement at each time.

Technology

After selecting 4 erbaceous plants, a screen has been developed to have the best contrast and capture details from the taken snapshots. Plants have been observed from 2 angles so as to have the possibility of 3D reconstruction. A platform has been used to ensure the same viewpoint at each date of obserfation. Solutions have been found to remove a limited number of plants from crop so as the vision of the selected individual to be not affected from other's parts; placement of a back-screen behind the plant before taking the snapshot; placement of one fixed standing bar in front of each individual; developing a camera accessory allowing to place it on the bar in the same position each time. Periodical snapshots have been taken from the early stages to maturity for 4 herbaceous field grain crops at Experimental Station of Cadriano (Italy, 44.30 lat.N, 11.20 lon.E) The project has been carried out in the late spring 2006 on Oat (OA), Barley (BA), Durum Wheat (DW) and Bread Wheat (BW). The photos shown have been scaled to 12%, reduced in color depth (24 down-to 8) and dithered using a Web-safe pallette.

Examples

Problems Emerged

weeds and elightment