Cotton morphological traits tracking through spatiotemporal registration of terrestrial laser scanning time-series data.

Abstract

Understanding the complex interactions between genotype-environment dynamics is fundamental for optimizing crop improvement. However, traditional phenotyping methods limit assessments to the end of the growing season, restricting continuous crop monitoring. To address this limitation, we developed a methodology for spatiotemporal registration of time-series 3D point cloud data, enabling field phenotyping over time for accurate crop growth tracking. Leveraging multi-scan terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), we captured high-resolution 3D LiDAR data in a cotton breeding field across various stages of the growing season to generate four-dimensional (4D) crop models, seamlessly integrating spatial and temporal dimensions. Our registration procedure involved an initial pairwise terrain-based matching for rough alignment, followed by a bird’s-eye view adjustment for fine registration. Point clouds collected throughout nine sessions across the growing season were successfully registered both spatially and temporally, with average registration errors of approximately 3 cm. We used the generated 4D models to monitor canopy height (CH) and volume (CV) for eleven cotton genotypes over two months. The consistent height reference established via our spatiotemporal registration process enabled precise estimations of CH ( R 2 = 0.95, RMSE = 7.6 cm). Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between CV and the interception of photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR f ), finding that it followed a curve with exponential saturation, consistent with theoretical models, with a standard error of regression (SER) of 11%. In addition, we compared mathematical models from the Richards family of sigmoid curves for crop growth modeling, finding that the logistic model effectively captured CH and CV evolution, aiding in identifying significant genotype differences. Our novel TLS-based digital phenotyping methodology enhances precision and efficiency in field phenotyping over time, advancing plant phenomics and empowering efficient decision-making for crop improvement efforts.

Plant phenotyping relevance

TLSによる時系列3D点群の登録と4D作物モデル構築を開発し、綿の草高・群落体積を継続的に推定・検証することが研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The article describes TLS point cloud data and phenotyping analysis, but no public dataset, code, or model repository is provided. The data availability statement only promises raw data 'without undue reservation' (i.e., on request), and the only URL besides the article/supplement is the generic emmeans R package, a第三方

No evidence-backed public reproduction asset is currently recorded.