A Novel 3D Imaging Approach to Study Evolutionary Innovations in Solanaceae Inflorescences

Abstract

Understanding the relatedness of angiosperms and the evolution of their inflorescence remains challenging, as these structures are highly modified and prone to convergent evolution. The current research describing inflorescence architecture, whether genetically or morphologically focused, typically relies on text based explanations, 2D images, or 3D based models created with CAD modeling software. This creates a disparity in the reader's understanding of these models since descriptions rely heavily on the author's interpretation of the inflorescence. The goal of our study is to bridge this disconnection by producing anatomically and color-correct 3D inflorescence models using Solanaceae flowers that readers can explore directly, which will allow readers to view and rotate the inflorescence structure in real time. The Solanaceae clade serves as an excellent platform to demonstrate this concept, as it is an active area of floral research and exhibits high inflorescence diversity within the clade. Its ancestral scorpioid cyme-like morphology is presently thought to have been the result of convergent evolution from a currently unknown driving force. Developing 3D models of extant Solanaceae species could provide valuable insights into these evolutionary patterns and help clarify the mechanisms underlying inflorescence diversification. Here, we use a novel photogrammetry approach to create 3D renderings of the inflorescences of Juanulloa sp., in the Solanaceae clade. This process will involve taking high-resolution 360° photos at various angles using a camera. Photos will be processed with Agisoft Metashape software, which generates 3D models using photographs. It is expected that the rendered 3D images will accurately reflect specimen dimensions with precise color. This will serve as a way to study and provide a larger 3D inflorescence library that can bridge the gap between authors and readers within the literature.

Plant phenotyping relevance

Solanaceaeの花序形態を対象に、フォトグラメトリと3D再構成による植物形質の取得・可視化手法を開発しており、方法が研究の中心である。

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