Cultivating Innovation: A Closer Look at BTI and Zymtronix’s Phenotyping Collaboration

In a recently concluded project, the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and Zymtronix teamed up to conduct cutting-edge research using BTI's state-of-the-art phenotyping facility, PhenoSight.

The research, dubbed the LeafyLook Project, showcases the power of PhenoSight and the impact of industry partnerships. The project focused on two tailored experiments:

• A study on rye grass
• An investigation into tomato and cucumber plants

BTI's team provided Zymtronix with valuable data and resources, including:

• High-resolution images of the plants under study
• Raw data collected from the imaging systems
• R-code for data analysis
• Detailed graphs visualizing the results
• Comprehensive statistical insights

However, the collaboration went beyond mere data delivery. BTI's experts worked closely with the Zymtronix team, providing them with the tools and training necessary to independently analyze traits of interest. This empowerment ensures that they can continue to make insightful decisions and impactful discoveries with the collected dataset.

Throughout the LeafyLook Project, BTI's dedicated team demonstrated their commitment to excellence by ensuring minimal disruptions and delivering precise, timely results. This dedication to quality and reliability is a hallmark of BTI's approach to collaborative research.

One of the standout features of this collaboration was BTI's commitment to transparency and clear communication. The use of interactive Google Sheets kept Zymtronix informed at every stage of the project, fostering a sense of trust and shared purpose between the partners.

The LeafyLook Project not only delivered valuable results but also helped BTI refine and improve its research pipelines. This continuous improvement mindset ensures that future collaborations will be even more efficient and effective.

The partnership between BTI and Zymtronix represents more than just a single research project. It offers a glimpse into the future of plant science, where research institutions and commercial partners join forces to drive innovation and tackle global challenges.

At the heart of this collaboration lies BTI's PhenoSight facility, a marvel of modern plant science technology. It is equipped with a suite of imaging tools designed to study plant growth and development in unprecedented detail. The facility boasts:

• A high-throughput imaging system capable of capturing data from up to 64 large plants or 1280 smaller plants
• A multi-spectral imaging system for analyzing chlorophyll fluorescence and plant physiology
• A time-lapse imaging system for tracking plant growth and responses over time

These advanced systems allow researchers to generate vast amounts of data, which can then be analyzed using cutting-edge computational methods.

As we face growing challenges related to climate change and food security, collaborations like the one between BTI and Zymtronix become increasingly crucial. By combining BTI's cutting-edge research capabilities with the innovative spirit of commercial partners, we can accelerate the development of solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time.