Eri Hayashi

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on the different applications of phenotyping techniques across agriculture. The first chapter outlines how plant phenotyping has developed over recent decades, driven by factors such as advances in optical sensors, image analysis and automation as well as multidisciplinary cooperation in establishing facilities for high-throughput plant phenotyping. The second chapter reviews the importance of phenotyping in plant breeding programmes and considers the role of phenomics in boosting the genetic gain in grain yields. Using high-throughput phenotyping techniques as a cost-efficient method for phenotypic data acquisition is also discussed. The third chapter examines recent advances in phenotyping to identify drought-resistance traits in cereal roots. It also reviews current root phenotyping strategies and challenges. The fourth chapter considers the application of phenotyping techniques based on existing plant cohort research in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). The chapter also explores the possibility of plant phenotype-based environmental control in PFALs. The final chapter provides an overview of the imaging techniques used in seed phenotyping, focussing primarily on the recent advances in X-ray imaging and the main parameters required to produce optimal image data.

This specially curated collection features five reviews of current and key research on vertical farming in horticulture. The first chapter describes and evaluates technologies and methods for growing edible plants indoors and presents a survey of selected commercial vertical farms currently operating that employ them. The second chapter explores the benefits of plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). The chapter assesses resource consumption, costs and performance of current PFALs, as well as methods for reducing resource consumption and production costs. The third chapter explores recent advances in the ornamentals industry, such as vertical propagation systems and LED technology, and how these can be implemented to meet the challenges of a changing marketplace and societal demands. The fourth chapter describes the advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics, along with the equipment and substrates used, and also examines soilless/hydroponic growing systems for vegetables. The final chapter describes the most recent innovation in hydroponic technologies for plant cultivation within cities and their adaptability to the urban fabric.