PHYTOTEC

PHYTOTEC is an IBISA certified platform developed for Plant Experimentation in a Controlled Environment for Industry and Research. It is hosted by the Bioscience and Biotechnology Institute of Aix-Marseille (BIAM) on the “Cité des Energies” campus. PHYTOTEC has expertise in the culture of a large variety of plants: Arabidopsis thaliana, wheat, tomato, rice, tobacco, corn, hazel tree, oak…
Imaplant is an innovative culture chamber to create a dynamic climate and ensure functional monitoring by a multi-parameter imaging system. Three on-board cameras monitor the growth, evapotranspiration and photosynthetic activity of the 81 Arabidopsis plants present in the cell.

Facilities

The platform is equiped with a set of 11 phytotrons (+ 2 phytotrons in vitro) and 8 measuring chambers of variable volumes (1 – 2000 L) allows the cultivation of plants in controlled and variable conditions. There is also the state-of-the-art Imaplant phenotyping chamber. Several environmental parameters can be continuously and precisely regulated including light, temperature, relative humidity, plant nutrition, atmospheric gaseous composition (including modification of stable isotope levels) throughout the plant growth cycle lasting up to several months. Moreover, gaseous exchanges between plants and their environment (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration…) can be continuously measured. A computerized control system ensures safe functioning 24hr/24hr.

PHYTOTEC is involved in the “Plant Growth in highly controlled and monitored conditions” training offered by the Plinius Cursus.

Opening

A vegetal experimentation platform at the service of industry and research. Our equipment enables the growth and monitoring of plants of varied nature such as Arabidopsis thaliana, plants of agronomic interest (wheat, maize, tobacco, tomatoes…) to trees (beech, hazelnut…).
The operation of the platform makes it possible to accommodate users for the duration of their experimentation, but total subcontracting is also planned. The development of customized solutions makes it possible to respond to a large number of experimental protocols. The platform has R&D skills and resources capable of studying and developing innovative devices.

A quality process is processed based on the ISO 9001v2000 standard for all its activities. The service is open to academics and industry, without geographical distinction, within the framework of collaborations or services. PhytoTec benefits from the IBISA label. To apply for access, please contact the platform manager.