Novel use of laser technology paves way for future precision breeding

Image credit: Christopher Strock, Penn State

Image credit: Christopher Strock, Penn State

Problem

Can we breed more productive crops that are resilient to climate variability?

Extreme precipitation events, prolonged droughts, temperature extremes, and elevated pressures from pests and diseases prompt the need for the breeding of more resilient and productive crops.

Findings

A team of plant scientists has developed a novel use of its laser ablation tomography (LAT) system, a technology invented at Penn State, to visualize the anatomy of roots and see how soil organisms, such as fungi, nematodes, and insects, interact with the roots of different crop species.

  • A pulsing ultraviolet laser excites various tissues affected by soil organisms. The light spectra given off by different cells allow the scientists to capture detailed images of microscopic slices that can be reconstructed in three dimensions.

Impact

This novel technology provides scientists with a unique perspective of the interactions in order to develop crops that more effectively grow under limited water and nutrient availability.

  • Using LAT, a researcher can process many root samples in a short period of time, addressing a major limitation for researchers conducting genetic studies and running breeding programs.
  • The technique allows researchers to conduct large, quantitative screenings to characterize genetic control of root anatomy and interactions with soil organisms.

Related Research Areas: Environmental Resilience and Advanced Agricultural and Food Systems

Research Credit

Team

Participating Departments

Partners

  • University of Adelaide, Australia; Michigan State University

Competitive Funding

  • Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms, USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture
  • Research and Education (SARE), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Department of Energy

Federal and State Appropriations

  • USDA NIFA Hatch Project PEN04582, Accession #1005492

Emerging Discoveries

Published Research

Laser ablation tomography for visualization of root colonization by edaphic organisms

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600