Tech Platforms Speed Up Crop Phenotyping in Sanya

China News Service reported that a conveyor-belt high-throughput phenotyping platform operated at the National Nanfan Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, Hainan, on October 23. Research assistant Li Yichao explained that the system conducts full growth cycle observations, functioning like an illustrated diary for seedlings as heights, root systems, and photosynthetic states are recorded daily. Staff can complete data collection automatically with the flip of a switch, after which computer systems analyze the metrics. This setup assists breeding experts in tracking growth changes and helps accelerate the breeding process. Each pot of rice is equipped with an electronic identifier below it, allowing computers to automatically recognize and track individual plant developments. The root acquisition system relies on visible-light imaging, enabling continuous observation of root development without pulling up seedlings or washing roots. At the institute's field base, a rail-based high-throughput phenotyping platform operates using sensors including visible light, hyperspectral, and thermal infrared. Jin Xiuliang, chief and researcher of the crop phenotyping team, stated that the collected data aids seed industry screening and smart agriculture decision-making.