Down Under: Where Agricultural Discoveries Take Root
Dr. Gadi Peleg tested a root system during his PhD.
Root and soil problems account for over 80% of crop failures, yet they remain one of plant science’s most neglected fields. PhenoRoot Ltd. is changing this paradigm by addressing one of agriculture’s most overlooked challenges: understanding plant root systems, often called the “hidden half” of agriculture. Through soil-grown root phenotyping, PhenoRoot delivers advanced solutions for new variety development, improving crop resilience, boosting productivity, and promoting sustainability, while tackling the impacts of climate change.
Innovating Root Phenotyping with High-Throughput Imaging
Founded five years ago by Dr. Gadi Peleg, an expert in root physiology and phenotyping, PhenoRoot combines agronomic expertise with innovative technology to gain a deep understanding of root systems. Unlike traditional methods that rely on artificial, transparent media, PhenoRoot’s platform analyzes soil-grown plants, providing accurate insights into real-world root-soil interactions.
A key advantage of PhenoRoot’s technology is its high-throughput imaging capabilities, allowing hundreds of root systems to be scanned daily—significantly faster than MRI and X-ray CT systems. This advanced phenotyping platform enables researchers and agribusinesses to rapidly and precisely analyze root traits, making it an essential tool for large-scale root phenotyping.
By leveraging these capabilities, seed, crop protection, and nutrition companies, as well as universities, can make data-driven decisions to tackle key agricultural challenges such as salinity, drought resistance, and nutrient efficiency with precision and speed.
Building the World’s Largest Root Phenotype Database
At the core of PhenoRoot’s vision is an ambitious mission: to create the world’s largest database of plant root phenotypes. This unparalleled repository supports the agricultural industry by accelerating the breeding of next-generation climate-resilient crops.
A variety of root systems imaged by PhenoRoot’s advanced phenotyping systems
PhenoRoot aims to work with national gene banks, unlocking genetic diversity for climate-resilient crop development. Through these partnerships, the company evaluates and understands various root traits, helping breeders develop plants with enhanced resilience to salinity, drought, and soil nutrient deficiencies. These insights continuously strengthen PhenoRoot’s database, making it a powerful resource for future breeding programs.
Additionally, PhenoRoot’s technology drives the discovery of new small molecules, fostering innovation in crop protection, nutrition, and basic scientific advancements.
The company has established strong collaborations with leading breeding, agri-chemical, and academic entities, demonstrating a deep understanding of customer needs and delivering tailored, high-value solutions.
Shaping the Future of Agriculture
By redefining root science, PhenoRoot is paving the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural ecosystem. Through its cutting-edge technology, extensive database, and global partnerships, PhenoRoot is transforming agriculture’s “hidden half” into a powerful tool for global food security in a changing climate.
Come to meet us the Fruit logistica, Berlin, 5-7 february. Hall 3.1
Contact Information: Dr. Gadi Peleg | Email: gadi@phenoroot.com
