Centre français de phénomique végétale

Since 2012, Phenome-Emphasis has developed a high-throughput infrastructure and methods for characterizing diverse plant genotypes under climate change scenarios (drought, high CO2, high temperatures, new diseases). The infrastructure comprises four controlled installations for detailed leaf or root system analysis, two semi-controlled field installations including rainout-shelters and a free-air carbon enrichment system, and three field installations with deep phenotyping tools. These installations accommodate hundreds of genotypes and feature imaging capabilities for functional and 3D plant images. Two supporting installations centralize omic measurements. Developed in collaboration with French SMEs and European infrastructures (IFB / ELIXIR), the tools enhance plant trait measurement, organize phenotypic data for wider scientific use, and manage large datasets using AI and models. This expertise is shared with academic and industrial phenotyping communities, fostering the growth of technology-provider SMEs and supporting training activities for seed companies and SMEs. Phenome-Emphasis leads a French Research Infrastructure, coordinates the EU project PHENET, and contributes to the European ESFRI infrastructure EMPHASIS RI. Between 2020-2024, it provided over 120 accesses, published 25+ scientific articles, and trained 250+ researchers yearly. Future initiatives include AgroEcoPhen and Phenominnov projects, supported by FRANCE 2030 and recurrent funding from MESR, aimed at expanding tool and method dissemination, promoting big data analytics, and providing skilled access to installations for a broader user base.