The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the importance of removing carbon from the atmosphere to combat climate change and limit global temperature rise. To contribute to this effort, scientists at the Salk Institute are utilizing plants’ natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide by optimizing their root systems to store more carbon for longer periods. Using a new research tool called SLEAP, an artificial intelligence software developed by Salk Fellow Talmo Pereira, the team is able to track various features of root growth in order to enhance plant designs.
In a study published in Plant Phenomics on April 12, 2024, scientists Wolfgang Busch and Talmo Pereira introduce a new protocol for analyzing plant root phenotypes using SLEAP. By tracking the physical characteristics of root systems, researchers are able to identify genes associated with these traits and determine which genes are most beneficial for their plant designs. The collaboration between Pereira and Busch demonstrates the synergy between different scientific disciplines, resulting in the creation of a more impactful research tool.
Prior to the development of SLEAP, analyzing plant and animal characteristics required labor-intensive manual processes that slowed down scientific progress. With SLEAP’s unique combination of computer vision and deep learning, researchers are able to process images efficiently and accurately without the need for time-consuming manual labor. The introduction of an open-source toolkit called sleap-roots further enhances the capabilities of SLEAP, allowing for the rapid analysis of root system traits in various plant species.
By connecting phenotype data, such as the depth and robustness of root systems, to genotype data, scientists can identify the genes responsible for desirable plant traits. This integration is crucial for the Harnessing Plants Initiative at Salk, which aims to develop plants capable of capturing and storing more carbon to combat climate change. The use of SLEAP and sleap-roots has enabled the research team to accelerate their efforts in creating carbon-capturing plants while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in their analyses.
The accessibility and ease-of-use of SLEAP and sleap-roots make them valuable tools for researchers around the world. Already, discussions are underway with NASA scientists to explore the use of these tools for studying plants in space. The collaborative team at Salk continues to refine and expand SLEAP and sleap-roots, with a focus on analyzing 3D data in future projects. The support of various organizations, including the Bezos Earth Fund, the Hess Corporation, and the National Institutes of Health, has been instrumental in advancing this innovative research.
Overall, the innovative combination of artificial intelligence, plant science, and genetic research is driving significant progress in the development of carbon-capturing plants to combat climate change. The use of SLEAP and sleap-roots has enabled researchers at the Salk Institute to create a comprehensive catalog of plant root system phenotypes, paving the way for the rapid identification of target genes and the design of plants with enhanced carbon-sequestering capabilities. With ongoing efforts to improve and share these tools, the impact of Salk’s research on climate change mitigation is poised to grow in the years to come.
