Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels

Accurate identification of maize kernel morphology is crucial for breeding and quality improvement. Traditional manual methods are limited in dealing with complex structures and cannot fully capture kernel characteristics from a phenome perspective. To address this, our study aims to develop a high-...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shuaihao Zhao, Guanmin Huang, Si Yang, Chuanyu Wang, Juan Wang, Yanxin Zhao, Minxiao Duan, Ying Zhang, Xinyu Guo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Plant Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1438594/full
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850152394958045184
author Shuaihao Zhao
Shuaihao Zhao
Guanmin Huang
Guanmin Huang
Si Yang
Si Yang
Chuanyu Wang
Chuanyu Wang
Juan Wang
Juan Wang
Yanxin Zhao
Minxiao Duan
Ying Zhang
Ying Zhang
Xinyu Guo
Xinyu Guo
author_facet Shuaihao Zhao
Shuaihao Zhao
Guanmin Huang
Guanmin Huang
Si Yang
Si Yang
Chuanyu Wang
Chuanyu Wang
Juan Wang
Juan Wang
Yanxin Zhao
Minxiao Duan
Ying Zhang
Ying Zhang
Xinyu Guo
Xinyu Guo
author_sort Shuaihao Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Accurate identification of maize kernel morphology is crucial for breeding and quality improvement. Traditional manual methods are limited in dealing with complex structures and cannot fully capture kernel characteristics from a phenome perspective. To address this, our study aims to develop a high-throughput 3D phenotypic analysis method for maize kernels using Micro-CT-based point cloud data, thereby enhancing both accuracy and efficiency. We introduced new phenotypic indicators and developed a kernel phenome interaction network to better characterize the diversity and variability of kernel traits. Using a natural population of maize, high-resolution 2D slice data from Micro-CT scans were converted into 3D point cloud models for detailed analysis. This process led to the proposal of five new indicators, such as the endosperm density uniformity index (ENDUI) and endosperm integrity index (ENII), and the construction of their corresponding phenome interaction network. The study identified 27 3D morphological feature parameters, significantly improving the accuracy of kernel phenotypic analysis. These new indicators enable a more comprehensive evaluation of trait differences between subgroups. Results show that ENDUI and ENII are central to the phenome interaction networks, revealing synergistic relationships and environmental adaptation strategies during kernel growth. Additionally, it was found that length traits significantly impact the volumes of the embryo and endosperm, with linear regression coefficients of 0.599 and 0.502, respectively. This study not only advances maize kernel morphology research but also offers a novel method for phenotypic analysis. By enriching the phenotypic diversity of maize kernels, it contributes to breeding programs and grain processing improvements, ultimately enhancing the quality, and utilization value of maize kernels.
format Article
id doaj-art-6a2cbf9e30a042a79d67b94a635d7b3f
institution OA Journals
issn 1664-462X
language English
publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Plant Science
spelling doaj-art-6a2cbf9e30a042a79d67b94a635d7b3f2025-08-20T02:25:59ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Plant Science1664-462X2025-04-011610.3389/fpls.2025.14385941438594Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernelsShuaihao Zhao0Shuaihao Zhao1Guanmin Huang2Guanmin Huang3Si Yang4Si Yang5Chuanyu Wang6Chuanyu Wang7Juan Wang8Juan Wang9Yanxin Zhao10Minxiao Duan11Ying Zhang12Ying Zhang13Xinyu Guo14Xinyu Guo15Information Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Maize DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) Fingerprinting and Molecular Breeding, Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Maize DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) Fingerprinting and Molecular Breeding, Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaInformation Technology Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, ChinaBeijing Key Laboratory of Digital Plant, China National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture, Beijing, ChinaAccurate identification of maize kernel morphology is crucial for breeding and quality improvement. Traditional manual methods are limited in dealing with complex structures and cannot fully capture kernel characteristics from a phenome perspective. To address this, our study aims to develop a high-throughput 3D phenotypic analysis method for maize kernels using Micro-CT-based point cloud data, thereby enhancing both accuracy and efficiency. We introduced new phenotypic indicators and developed a kernel phenome interaction network to better characterize the diversity and variability of kernel traits. Using a natural population of maize, high-resolution 2D slice data from Micro-CT scans were converted into 3D point cloud models for detailed analysis. This process led to the proposal of five new indicators, such as the endosperm density uniformity index (ENDUI) and endosperm integrity index (ENII), and the construction of their corresponding phenome interaction network. The study identified 27 3D morphological feature parameters, significantly improving the accuracy of kernel phenotypic analysis. These new indicators enable a more comprehensive evaluation of trait differences between subgroups. Results show that ENDUI and ENII are central to the phenome interaction networks, revealing synergistic relationships and environmental adaptation strategies during kernel growth. Additionally, it was found that length traits significantly impact the volumes of the embryo and endosperm, with linear regression coefficients of 0.599 and 0.502, respectively. This study not only advances maize kernel morphology research but also offers a novel method for phenotypic analysis. By enriching the phenotypic diversity of maize kernels, it contributes to breeding programs and grain processing improvements, ultimately enhancing the quality, and utilization value of maize kernels.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1438594/fullmaize kernelsplant phenomics3D point cloud modelphenotypic analysisphenome interaction network
spellingShingle Shuaihao Zhao
Shuaihao Zhao
Guanmin Huang
Guanmin Huang
Si Yang
Si Yang
Chuanyu Wang
Chuanyu Wang
Juan Wang
Juan Wang
Yanxin Zhao
Minxiao Duan
Ying Zhang
Ying Zhang
Xinyu Guo
Xinyu Guo
Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
Frontiers in Plant Science
maize kernels
plant phenomics
3D point cloud model
phenotypic analysis
phenome interaction network
title Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
title_full Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
title_fullStr Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
title_full_unstemmed Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
title_short Precise 3D geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
title_sort precise 3d geometric phenotyping and phenotype interaction network construction of maize kernels
topic maize kernels
plant phenomics
3D point cloud model
phenotypic analysis
phenome interaction network
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2025.1438594/full
work_keys_str_mv AT shuaihaozhao precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT shuaihaozhao precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT guanminhuang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT guanminhuang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT siyang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT siyang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT chuanyuwang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT chuanyuwang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT juanwang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT juanwang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT yanxinzhao precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT minxiaoduan precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT yingzhang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT yingzhang precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT xinyuguo precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels
AT xinyuguo precise3dgeometricphenotypingandphenotypeinteractionnetworkconstructionofmaizekernels