Granted, the amenability of genomics platforms to high throughput processes permits the simultaneous generation of very reliable genotypic data from multiple samples and hence abates the major drawback to induced mutations: the imperative of generating and evaluating large numbers of putative mutants in quest of invariably low frequency events. But, for the genotypic data to lead to valid inferences on the variants, there must be reliable mechanisms for generating the complementary phenotypic data. The routine adoption of phenomics, defined by Houle et al. [112] as the “the acquisition of high-dimensional phenotypic data on an organism-wide scale” as a component of the detection and deployment of mutation events holds immense promise in this regard. Phenomics facilities typically make use of thermal infra-red, near infra-red, fluorescence and even magnetic resonance imaging equipment to collect large amounts of physiological, morphological and biochemical data from parts of live plants in very short periods of time. Phenomics is permitting a greater understanding of the mechanisms that govern such complex traits as drought and salinity tolerances [113,114]. The set up of phenomics facilities is undoubtedly an expensive endeavor that may be unaffordable for many national agricultural research organizations but the availability of service providers in Australia [115]; Canada [116]; France [117,118]; and Germany [119,120] might serve as impetus for setting up other such facilities to cater to scientists in different parts of the world. The CGIAR centers and other centers of excellence for crop-related agricultural research could incorporate phenomics into their activities and hence serve as regional hubs. The Joint FAO/IAEA laboratory that traditionally provides services relating to induced mutations is also well positioned to take on this additional task.
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