Facilities

Physiology

LI-6800 Photosynthesis Systems

Our lab utilizes eight LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis Systems to measure plant gas exchange and photosynthetic performance with high precision. These state-of-the-art instruments allow us to assess CO₂ and water vapor fluxes, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rates under controlled environmental conditions. With optional chlorophyll fluorescence modules, we can also analyze photosystem II efficiency, making the LI-6800 essential for our research on plant physiology, stress responses, and environmental interactions.

Phenospex TraitFinder

The PhenoSpex TraitFinder is a compact, mobile digital phenotyping workstation designed for high-throughput analysis in laboratories and greenhouses. Equipped with the PlantEye F600 multispectral 3D scanner, it captures over 20 morphological and physiological plant parameters—including leaf area, height, biomass, and chlorophyll content—in real time. The system operates non-invasively, preserving the plant's microenvironment, and integrates seamlessly with the HortControl software for data visualization and analysis. Ideal for automating experiments such as herbicide screening, germination assays, and biostimulant testing, the TraitFinder enhances reproducibility and accelerates research workflows.

Molecular Lab

CFX Opus 384 qPCR machine

GenePulser XCell

T100 Thermocycler

Our lab is equipped with a variety of cutting-edge molecular biology instruments, including electrophoresis tools, centrifuges, thermo-mixers, PCR for nucleotide amplification, RT - qPCR for quantifying gene expression. We also have genetic transformation tools to support our research such as the GenePulser for DNA delivery into cells via electroporation,

Microscopy Instruments

Leica DM3000 microscope and Leica ZOOM 2000 stereomicroscope

Our lab utilizes Leica microscopes and stereomicroscopes for high-resolution imaging and detailed observation across a variety of research applications. The Leica microscope offers advanced optical performance for both brightfield and fluorescence imaging. Our Leica stereomicroscope provides exceptional depth perception and is used for viewing larger, three-dimensional specimens, especially for cereal grafting. Both instruments are integral to our research, supporting a wide range of scientific investigations.

Growth Facilities

Controlled environment growth chambers

Our lab is equipped with 3 controlled environment Conviron GEN 1000 and 2 Aralab spaces designed to offer cutting-edge growing conditions for advanced plant science studies. These specialized environments provide researchers with precise control over factors like temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels, enabling the cultivation of plants under a variety of conditions.

Greenhouse and potting room

Our school’s glasshouse and potting room offer a hands-on space where researchers can experiment with various plants. The glasshouse is filled with a variety of species, from GM to non-GM, all thriving under carefully controlled conditions. we also are equipped with a potting room. Together, these spaces provide a welcoming environment for all our lab members.

Datasets

Link to dataset for G. gynandra de-etiolation project

SMART (Sorghum and Millets to Address Resilience and Tolerance to changing climate) Transformation Facility