The Norwegian Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure (PheNo) – a new era of opportunities for plant research in Norway
Authors
Sara Laranjeira (presenting author) [1]
Laura Jaakola [2, 3]
Paul E. Grini [4]
Faouzi Alaya Cheikh [5]
Steinar Trædal-Henden [6]
Hafeez Ur Rehman [7]
Inger Martinussen [3]
Jan Roger Torp Sørby [8]
Odd Arne Rognli [1]
Morten Lillemo [1]
Affiliations
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Plant Sciences, Ås, Norway
Email (presenting author): sara.laranjeira@nmbu.no - UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Tromsø, Norway
- University of Oslo, Department of Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Department of Computer Science, Gjøvik, Norway
- UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, Section for Digital Research Services, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Apelsvoll, Norway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Centre for Plant Research in Controlled Climate (SKP), Ås, Norway
Keywords
plant phenotyping; infrastructure; services; capacity building; research; education
Abstract
Advanced research facilities are needed to meet the needs for increased food production under the challenging Norwegian climate conditions. The Norwegian Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure (PheNo) addresses these needs by building and operating research facilities using state-of-the-art technology to observe and measure plant traits in detail. By understanding more about how plants react to the environment, we can support the development of stronger, healthier crops that are better suited for future climatic challenges. The infrastructure project is a collaboration between the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), the University of Oslo (UiO), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). Investments are being made in new equipment and facilities for phenotyping plants under controlled growth conditions and in the field, as well as automatic phenotyping of seeds, in facilities close to the local research communities across the country. The services tailor both research and teaching needs, covering the entire spectrum from basic plant biology to practical applications in agriculture, horticulture, and plant breeding. The PheNo consortium is part of the International Plant Phenotyping Network (IPPN) and will officially become the Norwegian node in EMPHASIS once it gets its legal ERIC status in 2026/2027. This will provide access to many specialized research facilities across Europe for the entire plant research community in Norway, while European researchers, in turn, will benefit from access to phenotyping services under Norway’s unique growing conditions. Overall, PheNo will strengthen the national plant research capacity and position Norway as a leader in plant phenotyping research.
Funding
Research Council of Norway, NFR 350254. Project coordinator: Morten Lillemo.