LemnaTec Corporation accepts genetics innovation research grant

LemnaTec Corporation, the worldwide plant phenotyping specialist, recently received the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy Award for Advanced Field Phenotyping System, which allows LemnaTec to create and implement the biggest innovative field phenotyping system in the world.

The Scanalyzer Field System will be designed to measuring bioenergy crops and will be implemented in Maricopa, Arizona; it will be installed for the 2016 growing season.

"The Scanalyzer Field System agreement with ARPA-E is the first of what I hope will be many projects in the rapidly developing North America phenotyping sector," LemnaTec CEO Dirk Vandenhirtz said. "LemnaTec is ready to meet the demand with a local presence to provide sales, service and support."

Developments in genomic research recently provided new data for plant research, but scientists still need automated high-throughput measurements for crops in field conditions, which is called phenotyping.

"As a plant physiologist, I am very excited about the Scanalyzer Field system," Dr. Edwin Reidel, North America business manager for LemnaTec, said. "Operating day and night, the giant portal crane will move advanced cameras and sensors across a research plot measuring over one acre in area, generating arguably the most detailed measurements ever recorded on crop growth, size, health, photosynthetic performance and more."