Abstract
BackgroundThe structural characteristics of whole sorghum kernels are known to affect end-use quality, but traditional evaluation of this structure is two-dimensional (i.e., cross section of a kernel). Current technology offers the potential to consider three-dimensional structural characteristics of grain. X-ray computed tomography (CT) presents one such opportunity to nondestructively extract quantitative data from grain caryopses which can then be related to end-use quality.ResultsPhenotypic measurements were extracted from CT scans of grain sorghum caryopses. Extensive phenotypic variation was found for embryo volume, endosperm hardness, endosperm texture, endosperm volume, pericarp volume, and kernel volume. CT derived estimates were strongly correlated with ground truth measurements enabling the identification of genotypes with superior structural characteristics.ConclusionsPresented herein is a phenotyping pipeline developed to quantify three-dimensional structural characteristics from grain sorghum caryopses which increases the throughput efficiency of previously difficult to measure traits. Adaptation of this workflow to other small-seeded crops is possible providing new and unique opportunities for scientists to study grain in a nondestructive manner which will ultimately lead to improvements end-use quality.
Highlights
The structural characteristics of whole sorghum kernels are known to affect end-use quality, but traditional evaluation of this structure is two-dimensional
While breeders can select for improved grain quality, they must maintain grain yield and yield stability as any reduction would be detrimental to adoption and further reduce rates of genetic gain for yield
If data is extracted from multiple computed tomography (CT) scans, control genotypes or reference objects of known density are necessary to normalize all scans to the same range of intensity values
Summary
The structural characteristics of whole sorghum kernels are known to affect end-use quality, but traditional evaluation of this structure is two-dimensional (i.e., cross section of a kernel). In sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], breeders have primarily focused on yield improvement and stability; grain quality has been a trait of secondary importance. While breeders can select for improved grain quality, they must maintain grain yield and yield stability as any reduction would be detrimental to adoption and further reduce rates of genetic gain for yield. A sorghum caryopsis is composed of three biological components: pericarp, endosperm, and embryo [5]. The thickness of the pericarp is associated with multiple traits which affect sensitivity to grain weathering, processing qualities (i.e., decortication), and storage stability [7, 8]. The embryo is composed of the embryonic axis and scutellum and contains protein and the Crozier et al Plant Methods (2022) 18:3 majority of lipids, vitamins, and minerals found in the caryopses [6]
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