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DiaPHEN (Mauguio-Montpellier) represents the Southern France Mediterranean climates with low rainfall and high risk of high temperature in summer, accompanied by heavy rain episodes that can occur throughout the year with a maximum in late summer and autumn. Hence, it can analyse the behaviour of hundreds of genotypes under water and heat constraints with no need for special equipment, although with the risk of heavy rains. The facility runs annuals (essentially wheat and maize) and perennials (apple, grapevine). Maps of soil texture, soil structure and electric conductivity were carried out in the whole installation. Water scenarios are controlled via frontal irrigation ramps that equip all experimental fields. A sensor network characterizes micrometeorological conditions and soil water content every hour.

Imaging is performed via the phenomobile of Phenome Emphasis, UAVs and lower throughput devices such as 3D LiDaR. The phenomobile allows precise measurement of the vertical distribution of leaf area or ear number, together with multispectral measurements for functional imaging in a range of species with a throughput of 100-200 microplots per hour. It is equipped with a LiDAR, multispectral cameras and high resolution visible cameras, with active illumination that rend imaging independent of natural light. Imaging with UAVs involves multiple images in the visible and near infrared spectra for measurements such as canopy height and indices such as NDVI. It also involves imaging of transpiration via thermal imaging.  A post-harvest line allows high throughput characterization of size, geometry and composition of seeds of different species (via individual NIRS measurements). Data are stored in the PHIS information system.

The installation can host experiments for organic farming projects. Available at unit level: heating ovens, drying cupboards, cold chambers, deep freezers, seeds threshing and cleaning machines, grinders.

Contact

• Romain Chapuis

 UAV imaging a plot of apple trees. Irrigation system

Irrigation system