Dave Weston, a molecular plant biologist at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, conducts research on plant resilience using advanced technology. He works at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory, which provides tools to study plant-microbe interactions. The facility uses robotics, imaging technologies, and artificial intelligence to help researchers identify genes and analyze plant modifications with greater speed and accuracy.
Weston stated, "APPL allows us to quickly assess different combinations with its automated systems." The facility monitors plant traits, including photosynthesis efficiency and stress response, detecting changes before they are visible to the human eye. This data helps scientists analyze plant genetics and identify traits for agriculture and biofuel production. Weston's team discovered heat-tolerant microbes in moss, which could improve heat tolerance in poplar trees. Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory's artificial intelligence-powered analysis also enables findings to be applied across species. Weston said, "One of our first big findings in APPL confirmed the effects of a gene our scientists discovered in native poplar trees." The gene, called Booster, was shown to increase poplar growth and biomass, with potential applications in renewable energy and sustainable materials, according to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Weston anticipates the launch of an underground imaging station in Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory to study root systems and resource allocation in plants. The lab will support research on genetic diversity and trait associations across species. "APPL is automated and uses AI-assisted analysis, we can blow the doors open for new knowledge and plant cultivation," Weston told the Oak Ridge National Laboratory team. Researchers can access Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory’s resources through its website. He advises clear hypothesis formation and experiment design due to the large volume of data the facility generates. Engaging with Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory’s team can help streamline research focus. The lab's automation is expected to contribute to advancements in agriculture, energy, and other industries.
