Phenotyping

The aim of the research group Phenotyping UP is development and application of methods of automated, non-invasive phenotyping for monitoring of environmental interactions of plants in controlled and field conditions. We are focused on the implementation of innovative hardware and software tools allowing more efficient selection of new technologies for agricultural and biotechnology. Phenotype plasticity of model plants and crops is studied using indoor phenotyping platform equiped with RGB, fluorescence, multispectral and thermal imaging sensors in controlled conditions allowing simulation of broad spectrum of stress factors, as well as in the field conditions using remote sensing with drones (UAV). We are using advanced methods of image analysis and big data processing through multivariant statistical approaches and implementing methods of machine learning. Further interest of our group is also the use of high-throughput screening bioassays to search for new molecules and biostimulants with biological activity applicable in the way of agrocehmicals and products with commercial potential, and studies of their mode of action.

https://www.catrin.com/research-groups/phenotyping/

Mgr. Lukáš Spíchal, Ph.D.

Head of group
+420 585 634 855, lukas.spichal@upol.cz

 

MSc. in biology and chemistry, high-school teaching program Palacký University in Olomouc 2002; Ph.D. in Biology at Palacký University in Olomouc 2005; in total 1.5 years of research stays at Free University, Berlin, Germany (2002-2012).

Lukáš Spíchal, worked from 2010 as senior researcher at the Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, where from 2021 continues as a leader of a research group Phenotyping UP within Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN). He also worked as a group leader at Laboratory of Growth regulators, Faculty of Science UP Olomouc and Institute of Experimental Botany AS CR (2005-2019). He was a member of Advisory board of Institute of Experimental Botany, AS CR (2012-2016). In 2012 he was awarded by prize „The best R&D team competition“ at international Bioforum, Brno, Czech Republic.

His scientific interest covers chemical biology of plant hormones, development of agrochemicals and technologies for plant growth regulation, high-throughput bioassaying and automated plant phenotyping (WoS: 77 publications, > 1900 citations, h-index 25, > 30 granted patents). He gives lectures from General Biology at Faculty of Science, Palacký University.

Lukáš Spíchal, has been main applicant and co-applicant of 4 national grants of basic and applied research (GAČR and TAČR, > 50 mil. CZK). Recently he is a leader of research programs of OP VVV projects “Excellent Research” and “ITI”. In 2017 he founded Czech Plant Phentyping network (CzPPN) he is its coordinator and Czech representative in Support Group of ESFRI project EMPHASIS. He is also member of Technical commission CEN/TC 455 „Plant Biostimulants“ at European Standardization Committee (CEN).

In 2011 he co-founded spin-off company AgroBioChem, s.r.o., closely collaborating with Palacký University on research and development of new technologies and products for regulation of plant growth and development.

ORCID: 0000-0001-6483-8628

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