Advancements in 3D field-crop phenotyping using point clouds: a comparative review of sensor technology, target traits, and challenges under controlled and field conditions

Abstract

3D phenotyping refers to the quantitative characterization of a plant's structural and morphological traits in three-dimensional space, allowing for a detailed analysis of plant architecture and growth patterns. In recent years, rapid advancements in non-destructive, high-throughput 3D imaging technologies have enabled the precise measurement of these traits. Initially focused on single-plant traits under controlled conditions, the field has now expanded towards robust applications in real-world field environments, enabling large-scale analyses of plant canopies and complex structures. This study focuses on the recent advancements in 3D crop phenotyping using point cloud technologies. It compares sensor technology and its application in controlled environments (Chamber-Crop Phenotyping, CCP) and field conditions (Field-Crop Phenotyping, FCP). Technologies such as Multiview stereo (MVS) reconstruction, LiDAR, and laser triangulation have enhanced plant phenomics by enabling high-throughput, non-destructive measurements of key traits such as canopy structure, leaf area, and stem diameter. This review highlights the strengths of the CCP, where environmental variables and flexibility are tightly controlled, facilitating precise trait measurement, and contrasts it with the challenges of the FCP, where unpredictable factors, such as occlusion, wind, light variability, and terrain complexity, complicate data acquisition. Various sensor platforms, including ground-based robotic systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have been discussed regarding their ability to overcome occlusion and limited sensor range in real-world conditions. The need to transition these technologies from laboratory environments to real-world agricultural applications is emphasized, highlighting their potential to improve crop management and plant breeding through accurate phenotypic trait extraction. Finally, current research gaps and future directions for integrating advanced sensor platforms and analytical techniques in both CCP and FCP settings are identified, emphasizing the need to enhance the scalability and robustness of 3D phenotyping for field applications.