Skip to main content

Coronavirus Updates: For the latest COVID-19 news and information, visit Penn State's Coronavirus Information website.

Penn State College of Agricultural Science Logo
Department of Plant Science
  • Undergraduate
    • Degree Options
    • Student Resources
    • Contact Us
  • Graduate
    • Degree Options
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Student Resources
    • Contact Us
  • People
    • People
  • Research
    • Thematic Research Areas
    • Focused Research Areas
    • Publications
  • Extension & Outreach
    • Extension & Outreach
  • About
    • News
    • Events
    • Facilities
    • Alumni and Friends
    • Support the Department
    • Contact Us
You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Faculty Labs
  4. Roots Lab
  5. Research Methodology
  6. Field Methods
  7. Shovelomics: High Throughput Phenotyping of Root System Architecture

Shovelomics: High Throughput Phenotyping of Root System Architecture

The basic idea of evaluating the root crown of field crops is to estimate the growth, development, and architecture of principal roots near the base of the shoot. Root crowns may be evaluated directly in the field, or rinsed and stored for more detailed analysis in the lab. In our experience a number of important root traits may be rapidly assessed from roots excavated and phenotyped.

Common Bean Shovelomics

This shows root crown phenotyping of the common bean root system.

Maize Shovelomics

This shows the process of root crown phenotyping for the maize root system

Maize Shovelomics Scoreboard

PDF document, 38.0 KB

The Maize Shovelomics scoreboard (PDF, 11"x17") is provided here as a resource for phenotyping root crowns in the field. Please use appropriate settings to ensure to-scale printing. (Under Printer Options - Size, choose "Actual Size". Under Advanced, select "Print as Image". In Page Setup - 11x17, Landscape. Do not to select "Constrain proportions" or "Fit to scale" in any option menu. Lamination is recommended.)

  • Next: Soil Coring for Root Distribution with Depth
  •  

Roots Lab

  • Roots Lab Overview
  • About Us
  • People
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Projects
  • Research Sites
  • Publications
  • Videos and Photos
  • News
  • Contact Us

Spotlight

Jonathan Lynch recognized as highly cited researcher in 2021 by Clarivate Publication receives award from Crop Science Society of America Tools for breeding cowpea with better roots highlighted in CSA news article Breeding Beans for Better Roots Professor Kathleen Brown retires after 41 years Amelia Henry receives humanitarian award Jagdeep Sidhu receives research award Roots lab research focus of podcast from West German Public Radio Newly discovered trait helps plants grow deeper roots in dry, compacted soils | Penn State University CSA news article on Roots Lab work with bean breeding Jagdeep Sidhu Receives College Research Funding Jonathan Lynch recognized as Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Graduate student receives special award for early career contributions to ASPB LAT root image wins photo competition of Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research Graduate student awarded Outstanding Agricultural Graduate Student Award from AASIO News story on bean root architecture reaches 6 million people, worth $240,000 Bean root architecture results highlighted in CSSA News Field work proceeds with physical distancing, safety precautions

Spotlight

Jonathan Lynch recognized as highly cited researcher in 2021 by Clarivate Publication receives award from Crop Science Society of America Tools for breeding cowpea with better roots highlighted in CSA news article Breeding Beans for Better Roots Professor Kathleen Brown retires after 41 years Amelia Henry receives humanitarian award Jagdeep Sidhu receives research award Roots lab research focus of podcast from West German Public Radio Newly discovered trait helps plants grow deeper roots in dry, compacted soils | Penn State University CSA news article on Roots Lab work with bean breeding Jagdeep Sidhu Receives College Research Funding Jonathan Lynch recognized as Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Graduate student receives special award for early career contributions to ASPB LAT root image wins photo competition of Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research Graduate student awarded Outstanding Agricultural Graduate Student Award from AASIO News story on bean root architecture reaches 6 million people, worth $240,000 Bean root architecture results highlighted in CSSA News Field work proceeds with physical distancing, safety precautions
Back to Top

Department of Plant Science

  • About
  • Directory
  • Department Telephone 814-865-2571
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Penn State College of Agricultural Science Logo

Privacy and Legal Statements — Accessibility — Penn State Hotlines — © 2022 The Pennsylvania State University

Penn State College of Agricultural Science Logo

Explore

  • Degrees & Programs
  • Admissions
  • Research
  • Extension
  • About
  • College Directory
  • Contact Us

Information for

  • Students
  • Industry
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Visitors & Public
Request Info Schedule a Visit Apply
 
Penn State College of Agricultural Science Logo