The Phytodomes experimental platform, dedicated to the study of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), consists of four geodesic greenhouses equipped with advanced technologies for investigating climate change and its effects on plant biodiversity in contaminated environments.
The largest dome has a diameter of 10 metres and a height of 6.2 metres, whilst the three smaller domes have a diameter of 4 metres and a height of 3.1 metres. The structures are constructed from extruded aluminium and special double-glazed units. The glass panes are trapezoidal rather than triangular in shape, allowing for greater light penetration whilst maintaining the same total surface area. The geodesic design offers several functional advantages, maximised and uniformly distributed solar radiation; optimal air circulation for maintaining a homogeneous internal temperature and considerable resistance to adverse weather conditions.
A robotic phenotyping system is installed within the largest greenhouse, enabling the measurement of plant growth and morpho-functional traits. The system provides real-time data and imaging of 3D morphology through laser scanning, as well as information on plant physiological status using non-destructive techniques, such as chlorophyll fluorescence analysis and leaf spectroradiometry.
The smaller greenhouses are designed to allow the modulation of environmental factors, such as temperature, and the alteration of atmospheric composition. This enables the simulation of a wide range of environmental scenarios and the study of the effects of greenhouse gases, traffic-related pollutants, and atmospheric particulate matter on plant growth and physiological performance.
This IRET-CNR facility, unique worldwide in terms of its design and technological implementation, represents a significant step towards understanding plant adaptation mechanisms under climate change and environmental contamination scenarios. Furthermore, it provides an innovative contribution to assessing the role of plant systems in mitigating the effects that such scenarios are known to exert on human health and ecosystems, within the context of sustainable technologies such as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
