“It’s like a CT scan—for plants.”

That’s how Warren Shafer, Ph.D., Vice President of Global R&D and Regulatory Affairs at Valent BioSciences (VBC), describes the cutting-edge imaging research taking place at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. This work is a collaboration with VBC and parent company Sumitomo Chemical Company.

So why use CT scan technology for plants? The answer lies just below the surface.

Just Below the Surface

For years, soil research focused mainly on physical structure and chemistry. However, scientists are now paying more attention to soil biology.

Below the surface is the rhizosphere—the zone of soil influenced by plant roots. In this space, roots, bacteria and fungi interact constantly.

Dr. Chris Topp, a principal researcher at the Danforth Center, explains that these interactions are driven by nutrient exchange. For example, plants produce carbon through photosynthesis. Meanwhile, certain bacteria, known as diazotrophs, convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form for plants.

“Plants really need nitrogen, but it is one of the most limited resources,” Topp says. “In return, plants provide carbon to support these organisms.”

Similarly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) help plants access phosphorus in the soil. In exchange, they receive carbon from the plant. As a result, both organisms benefit from this relationship.

This relationship inspired a research partnership between VBC and the Danforth Center in 2016. The goal was to better understand root growth and these interactions without disturbing the soil.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Aggregates

Traditionally, scientists studied plant roots by digging them up. However, this process often damaged both the roots and surrounding soil.

“To understand these interactions, we need to observe roots without disruption,” Topp says. “Our lab focuses on imaging root systems and their function.”

As a result, the team developed a non-destructive imaging method using 3D technology.

“The technology is based on x-rays,” Shafer explains. “Inside an x-ray tomography (XRT) system, a plant rotates while thousands of images are captured. These images are then combined into a 3D model.”

In addition, artificial intelligence allows researchers to analyze the rhizosphere in detail. Even more, virtual reality tools now enable scientists to explore root systems in entirely new ways.

After several years of development, the technology now allows scientists to observe how roots respond to stress. For example, they can study the effects of heat, drought and pests, as well as how crop protection products help mitigate these challenges.

Furthermore, this research may lead to new discoveries. These include beneficial microbial combinations and improved ways to enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth.

Partnerships Make It Possible

According to Shafer, working with the Danforth Center provides access to world-class research capabilities. This collaboration helps accelerate innovation and deliver better solutions for growers.

“Working with partners in our Biorational Research Network allows us to make greater progress,” Shafer says. “An open innovation approach helps us achieve shared goals more effectively.”