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2025 Vol.37, Issue 3

Review Article

High-Throughput Imaging for Precision Breeding and Orphan Crop
Gyung Deok Han1
,
Bo Hwan Kim2
,
Wook Kim3
,
Yong Suk Chung4*
1Professor, Biology and Agriculture Lab, Department of Practical Arts Education, Cheongju National University of Education, Cheongju 28690, Korea
2Researcher, Department of Plant Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
3Professor, Department of Plant Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
4Professor, Department of Plant Resources and Environment, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
*Corresponding Author
30 September 2025. pp. 167-175
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Abstract

Efficient phenotyping is critical for linking genotype to phenotype in modern crop breeding. However, traditional phenotyping methods are labor-intensive, destructive, and time-consuming, limiting their scalability and precision. Recent advances in high-throughput phenotyping (HTP), particularly image-based approaches using ground sensors, UAVs, and satellites, have enabled non-invasive, large-scale measurement of complex traits with enhanced speed and accuracy. These innovations have significantly improved breeding efficiency in both major and underutilized crops. To fully realize the potential of HTP, the standardization of trait descriptors and data formats is essential. It ensures interoperability across studies and supports the development of robust, data-driven crop improvement strategies. Collaborative efforts at national and international levels are increasingly promoting this shift toward harmonized phenotypic data practices. Image-based HTP has now been applied across a wide range of crop species, allowing researchers to evaluate traits and prioritize breeding targets more effectively and at greater scale. Despite its promise, challenges remain including high infrastructure costs, difficulties in integrating heterogeneous sensor data, and the absence of widely adopted standards for data sharing. Addressing these barriers will require broader implementation of the FAIR data principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. With such frameworks in place, standardized image-based phenotyping is poised to become a foundational tool for precision breeding and for building sustainable, resilient agricultural systems in the face of ongoing environmental change.

Keywords
Crop
High-throughput phenotyping
Image-based analysis
Orphan crops
Standardization
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Information
  • Publisher :Agriculture and Life Sciences Research Institute, Kangwon National University
  • Publisher(Ko) :None
  • Journal Title :Journal of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
  • Volume : 37
  • No :3
  • Pages :167-175
  • Received Date : 2025-07-01
  • Revised Date : 2025-07-10
  • Accepted Date : 2025-07-27
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22698/jales.20250014
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