Analysis of the root diameter distribution from time series images of real and simulated Cassava root systems

The data was collected, simulated and analyzed in the framework of the CassavaStore project (a collaboration between IBG-2, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany and different institution from Thailand; for details see https://www.international-bioeconomy.org/cassavastore_eng). Aim of this project is to get a better understanding of storage root development in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in order to optimize cassava growth with respect to variety breeding and growth management. The storage root is one of the main providers of starch in Thailand and therefore of high economic importance. Monitoring the formation of storage roots over time via quantification of the root diameter distribution of excavated root systems was one of the key aspects addressed in this project. To measure the diameters a software was developed that identifies roots in RGB images and analyzes the diameters along each identified root automatically. The published data contains 1) analyzed images from cassava roots that were acquired in a video box; 2) simulated virtual root model images with known root diameter distributions that were used to validate the analysis approach; 3) a description of the data and the folder structure.