Field phenotyping platform for pulse crop trait discovery and genetic gain
A mobile field phenomics platform integrating RGB, 3D, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral, hyperspectral, NIR, and chlorophyll fluorescence sensors with cloud-based processing pipelines. Designed to accelerate genetic gain, discover novel traits, and enable machine vision-based estimation of yield and quality parameters in pulse crops under abiotic stress.
Overview
This offering is a field-based high-throughput phenotyping platform developed for pulse crop breeding and genetics research. The platform enables breeders and geneticists to dissect complex traits with greater resolution, discover novel traits related to abiotic stress adaptation, and accelerate the rate of genetic gain for yield under stressful growing conditions. By combining multiple sensor technologies with cloud-based data processing, the platform makes advanced phenomics accessible to breeding programs that lack the budget or infrastructure to process raw spectral or imaging data themselves.
The platform addresses one of the most persistent bottlenecks in plant breeding: the accurate, high-throughput measurement of crop traits in the field. It supports the discovery of new traits, improves selection accuracy, and enables machine vision tools to estimate yield and quality parameters, including starch density and arrangement, protein concentration, seed coat darkening, cooking time, and moisture content.
Technical specifications
Sensor suite integrated on the field phenomics vehicle:
- Low-cost RGB, 3D, and thermal imaging
- Mid-cost NIR and multispectral reflectance sensors
- LiDAR for three-dimensional canopy structure measurement
- Chlorophyll fluorescence sensing
- Visible, thermal, hyperspectral, and multispectral imaging
Data processing and analytics:
- Cloud-processing pipelines that convert raw sensor data into deconvoluted, analysis-ready datasets
- Spatial analysis integration at the data collection stage
- Designed for efficiency in small and mid-sized breeding programs
- Supports genome-wide association analysis and calibration model development for quality parameter estimation
Applications:
- Trait discovery for abiotic stress tolerance in common beans, chickpeas, and dry peas
- Yield estimation under abiotic stress using machine vision tools
- Quality parameter prediction in preliminary and advanced yield trials
- Extension of sensor calibration models to other crops beyond pulses
Technology readiness level
The platform has been built and validated at small scale, with phenomics data successfully collected across the full range of integrated sensors. Cloud-processing pipelines are operational, and the field phenomics vehicle has been assembled and is functional. Current and next-stage activities focus on genetic mapping through genome-wide association analysis and the development of calibration models for estimating quality parameters in pulse crops using multispectral and hyperspectral imaging. The platform is positioned for collaborative validation and extension to additional crops and breeding environments.
About Pulse Breeding, Genomics and Phenomics Research Laboratory
The Pulse Breeding and Genetics Lab, located within the Department of Plant Science at McGill University, is a research group focused on the genetic improvement of pulse legumes, including common beans, chickpeas, and dry peas. The lab utilizes field data to conduct research in areas such as genomics, quantitative genetics, abiotic stress tolerance, disease resistance, and high-throughput phenotyping. By integrating emerging technologies into agricultural systems, the team aims to develop superior cultivars that enhance yield, quality, and nutritional profiles for sustainable production. Their work combines fundamental research with applied plant breeding to generate new knowledge and drive agricultural innovation.
This research is critical for supporting the pulse industry, farmers, and end-users by providing solutions that improve productivity and sustainability in Quebec, Canada, and internationally. The lab engages in collaborative efforts with the private and public sectors, offering opportunities for industrial partners to leverage their expertise and equipment for accelerated product development and R&D. Furthermore, the laboratory plays a significant role in education by training MS and PhD students in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, ensuring the development of scientific leadership to advance global food security and nutrition.
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