Stages Of Plant Development Research Articles

The effect of a new protective-stimulating complex on the growth and development of spring wheat of the Ester variety under environmental stress

In the research, the influence of protective-stimulating complexes on the growth and development of spring wheat plants of the Ester variety when grown in various water supply conditions was studied. The effect of protective-stimulating complexes of various compositions on the dynamics of biomass accumulation and assimilation surface of spring wheat plants under conditions of optimal water supply, drought and short-term waterlogging was studied. The negative effect of stressful conditions on wheat plants has been shown. A sharp change in the processes of accumulation of plant mass and photosynthetic surface of wheat plants was revealed. Under the conditions of exposure to waterlogging in the control variant, three stages of plant development can be noted: the accumulation of biomass before the onset of the stressor, positive dynamics during the stressor period and negative dynamics during the repair period. The use of protective and stimulating complexes of various compositions had a positive effect on the growth and development of wheat plants during the growing season. In the variants with the use of protective and stimulating complex (PSC) 1 and protective and stimulating complex 2, the following main stages can be noted: during the period of the stressor, there was a decrease in the area of the assimilation surface in the amount of about 20% of the initial state, however, during the repair period, the plants regained their original size and continued to grow, increasing the surface area by 50% and 70%, respectively. As a result, the increase in the area of the assimilation surface in plants of the variant with the use of protective and stimulating complex 1 was 40%, and in plants of the variant with the use of protective and stimulating complex 2 was 65%.

Transcriptome landscape of early inflorescence developmental stages identifies key flowering time regulators in chickpea.

Transcriptome landscape during early inflorescence developmental stages identified candidate flowering time regulators including Early Flowering 3a. Further genomics approaches validated the role of this gene in flowering time regulation. The early stages of inflorescence development in plants are as crucial as the later floral developmental stages. Several traits, such as inflorescence architecture and flower developmental timings, are determined during those early stages. In chickpea, diverse forms of inflorescence architectures regarding meristem determinacy and the number of flowers per node are observed within the germplasm. Transcriptome analysis in four desi chickpea accessions with such unique inflorescence characteristics identifies the underlying shared regulatory events leading to inflorescence development. The vegetative to reproductive stage transition brings about major changes in the transcriptome landscape. The inflorescence development progression associated genes identified through co-expression network analysis includes both protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Few lncRNAs identified in our study positively regulate flowering-related mRNA stability by acting competitively with miRNAs. Bulk segregrant analysis and association mapping narrowed down an InDel marker regulating flowering time in chickpea. Deletion of 11bp in first exon of a negative flowering time regulator, Early Flowering 3a gene, leads to early flowering phenotype in chickpea. Understanding the key players involved in vegetative to reproductive stage transition and floral meristem development will be useful in manipulating flowering time and inflorescence architecture in chickpea and other legumes.

Plant target of rapamycin signaling network: Complexes, conservations, and specificities

Target of rapamycin (TOR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that functions as a central signaling hub to integrate diverse internal and external cues to precisely orchestrate cellular and organismal physiology. During evolution, TOR both maintains the highly conserved TOR complex compositions, and cellular and molecular functions, but also evolves distinctive roles and strategies to modulate cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and stress responses in eukaryotes. Here, we review recent discoveries on the plant TOR signaling network. We present an overview of plant TOR complexes, analyze the signaling landscape of the plant TOR signaling network from the upstream signals that regulate plant TOR activation to the downstream effectors involved in various biological processes, and compare their conservation and specificities within different biological contexts. Finally, we summarize the impact of dysregulation of TOR signaling on every stage of plant growth and development, from embryogenesis and seedling growth, to flowering and senescence.

Functions of Redox Signaling in Pollen Development and Stress Response.

Cellular redox homeostasis is crucial for normal plant growth and development. Each developmental stage of plants has a specific redox mode and is maintained by various environmental cues, oxidants, and antioxidants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species are the chief oxidants in plant cells and participate in cell signal transduction and redox balance. The production and removal of oxidants are in a dynamic balance, which is necessary for plant growth. Especially during reproductive development, pollen development depends on ROS-mediated tapetal programmed cell death to provide nutrients and other essential substances. The deviation of the redox state in any period will lead to microspore abortion and pollen sterility. Meanwhile, pollens are highly sensitive to environmental stress, in particular to cell oxidative burst due to its peculiar structure and function. In this regard, plants have evolved a series of complex mechanisms to deal with redox imbalance and oxidative stress damage. This review summarizes the functions of the main redox components in different stages of pollen development, and highlights various redox protection mechanisms of pollen in response to environmental stimuli. In continuation, we also discuss the potential applications of plant growth regulators and antioxidants for improving pollen vigor and fertility in sustaining better agriculture practices.

Interaction between fructan metabolism and plant growth regulators.

The relationship of fructan to plant growth regulators is clearly more complicated than it looks and is likely related to differences between fructan molecules in size and structure as well as localization. Fructans are a complex group of carbohydrates composed mainly of fructose units linked to a sucrose molecule. Fructans are present in plants as heterogeneous mixtures with diverse molecular structures and mass, different polymerization degrees, and linkage types between fructosyl residues. Like sucrose, they are frequently stored in leaves and other organs, acting as carbohydrate reserves. Fructans are synthesized in the cell vacuole by fructosyltransferase enzymes and catabolized by fructan exohydrolase enzymes. Several publications have shown that fructan metabolism varies with the stage of plant development and in response to the environment. Recent studies have shown a correlation between plant growth regulators (PGR), fructan metabolism, and tolerance to drought and cold. PGR are compounds that profoundly influence the growth and differentiation of plant cells, tissues, and organs. They play a fundamental role in regulating plant responses to developmental and environmental signals. In this review, we summarize the most up-to-date knowledge on the metabolism of fructans and their crosstalk with PGR signaling pathways. We identify areas that require more research to complete our understanding of the role of fructans in plants.

Thigmostimulation alters anatomical and biomechanical properties of bioenergy sorghum stems

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a tropical grass that can be used as a bioenergy crop but commonly suffers from stem structural failure (lodging) when exposed to mechanical stimuli, such as rain and wind. Mechanical stimulation can trigger adaptive growth in plant stems (thigmomorphogenesis) by activating regulatory networks of hormones, proteins, transcription factors, and targeted genes, which ultimately alters their physiology, morphology, and biomechanical properties. The goals of this study are 1) to investigate differences in the morpho-anatomical-biomechanical properties of internodes from control and mechanically-stimulated plants and 2) to examine whether the changes also depend on the plant developmental stages at the time of stimulation. The sweet sorghum cultivar Della was grown in a greenhouse under two growth conditions: with and without mechanical stimulation. The mechanical stimulation involved periodic bending of the stems in one direction during a seven-week growth period. At maturity, the anatomical traits of the stimulated and non-stimulated stems were characterized, including internode lengths and diameters, and biomechanical properties, including elastic (instantaneous) modulus, flexural stiffness, strength, and time-dependent compliance under bending. The morpho-anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of two internodes of the stems that were at different stages of development at the time of mechanical stimulation were examined. Younger internodes were more responsive and experienced more pronounced changes in length due to the stimulation when compared to the older internodes. Statistical analyses showed differences between the stimulated and non-stimulated stems in terms of both their anatomical and biomechanical properties. Mechanical stimulation produced shorter internodes with slightly larger diameters, as well as softer (more compliant) and stronger stems.

PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION AND FUNCTIONING OF THE SOYBEAN–BRADYRHIZOBIUM JAPONICUM SYMBIOTIC APPARATUS IN RELATION TO PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SEED PROTECTANTS

The aim of work was to investigate the influence of seed treatment with two preparations of fungicidal action, differing in the active substances composition, on the formation and functioning of legume-rhizobial symbiosis in interaction with the photosynthetic apparatus of soybean plants. It was established that in plants treated with preparation Fever, the nitrogen-fixing activity (NFA) difference with the control was insignificant, but under the impact of the preparation Standak Top NFA was by 63% less at the stage of three true leaves, by 48% – at the stage of budding, and by 34% – at the stage of budding–flowering. The net photosynthetic rate, calculated per leaf area unit, was lower than control at all investigated stages of soybean plants development in the variants with the seed protectants applying. A fairly close positive correlations (R2 = 0.79) were observed between the average weight of one nodule and its NFA, and between the last and total NFA of the whole plant (R2 = 0.78). Close correlations between plant NFA, chlorophyll content in leaves, and net photosynthetic rate were revealed. It was concluded that seed protectants significantly influenced on nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis. The strength of manifestation, and the sign of this influence in comparison with the relevant parameters of the control plants depended on the preparation, the stage of plant development, as well as on the index (nodules formation, nitrogen-fixing activity, photosynthetic, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll index, biological productivity of soybean plants) under consideration.

Development of a uniform phenology scale (BBCH) in hazelnuts

Several methods are used to monitor phenological events in crop plants, and the BBCH scale ("Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie") is a widely used one. However, a BBCH scale does not exist for hazelnut. In this manuscript, we used the BBCH monograph for mono- and dicotyledonous and woody plants to propose a BBCH scale for hazelnut. We list the standardized plant development stages and show the equivalent descriptors in the UPOV and Bioversity International (IPGRI) lists and the development stages published in France and Italy. The proposed monograph covers eight of the ten principal BBCH stages, starting with dormant buds (stage 0) and ending with harvested nuts (stage 9).

Cytokinin-microbiome interactions regulate developmental functions

BackgroundThe interaction of plants with the complex microbial networks that inhabit them is important for plant health. While the reliance of plants on their microbial inhabitants for defense against invading pathogens is well documented, the acquisition of data concerning the relationships between plant developmental stage or aging, and microbiome assembly, is still underway. The plant hormone cytokinin (CK) regulates various plant growth and developmental processes. Here, examining the relationships between plant development and microbiome assembly, we observed developmental-age dependent changes in the phyllopshere microbiome. We show that age-related shifts in microbiome content vary based on content of, or sensitivity to, CK.ResultsWe found a developmental age associated decline in microbial richness and diversity, accompanied by a decline in the presence of growth promoting and resistance inducing Bacilli in the phyllosphere. This decline was absent from CK-rich or CK-hypersensitive genotypes. Bacillus isolates we obtained from CK rich genotypes were found to alter the expression of developmental genes to support morphogenesis and alter the leaf developmental program when applied to seedlings, and enhance yield and agricultural productivity when applied to mature plants.ConclusionsOur results support the notion that CK supports developmental functions in part via the bacterial community.

Development of one- and dicotyledic plants on reclaimed oil-contaminated alluvial turf soils

Laboratory chronic experiments have determined the effect of the content of petroleum products (PP) in reclaimed alluvial turf heavy loamy and light loamy soil on the growth, yield of green mass and the development of the root system of spring wheat and seed peas. High residual PP content in reclaimed soil resulted in increased seed germination time, with no effect on germination. When growing wheat on reclaimed alluvial turf heavy loamy soil, the toxic effect was manifested only in the early stages of plant development in a variant containing 16.9 g/kg of PP. In the alluvial turf light loamy soil version containing 21.8 g/kg of pollutant, inhibition of plant growth was observed throughout the experiment. In chronic experiments for growing peas on heavy coal soil containing 16.9 g/kg of PP, on light coal soil containing 11.7 g/kg and higher, plant growth inhibition was observed, with a tendency to increase the toxic effect towards the end of the growing experience. Oil contaminants in concentration up to 11-12 g/kg in reclaimed alluvial turf heavy and light-coal soils do not affect the yield of green wheat mass, in concentration 9.7 g/kg and higher inhibit the growth of pea plants, lead to a decrease in the yield of their green mass. The oxidation efficiency of petroleum products when growing plants on reclaimed alluvial turf soil did not exceed 37% and was determined by the initial concentration of pollutant. The presence of PP in the soil led to a change in the structure of the root system of the plants being grown. Tested plants when cultivated on heavy soils are more resistant to negative PP. The findings show that sown peas are more sensitive to the presence of PP in reclaimed soil.

Production and nutritional value of wheat and triticale cultivars in different harvest times in the Minas Gerais semiarid

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the productive performance and nutritional value of forage of wheat and triticale cultivars at different harvest times in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais. Eight wheat cultivars and two triticale cultivars harvested at three stages of plant development were evaluated: Rubberization, grain at the stage of soft mass and harvest maturation. The experimental design adopted was a randomized block in a factorial scheme 10 × 3, with three replicates, 10 cultivars and 3 developmental stages for plant collection. The main agronomic characteristics and nutritional value were evaluated of forage of the cultivars under study. The study demonstrated the potential of wheat and triticale cultivation for forage in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais. The mean dry matter yield of wheat cultivars was 5.90 t ha-1, 7.85 t ha-1 and 7.98 t ha-1 and triticale 6.47 t ha-1, 9.97 t ha-1 and 10.5 t ha-1 for the rubber harvesting stages, grain at the stage of soft mass and harvest maturation, respectively. For the average crude protein content, the wheat cultivars showed 15.07%, 9.13%, 10.60% and the triticale cultivars showed 14.4%, 9.31% and 10.05% for the harvest stages of rubber formation, grain at the stage of soft mass and harvest maturation, respectively. When evaluating the average levels of total digestible nutrients, the wheat and triticale cultivars showed an average of 48.90% and 48.67% in the rubber harvesting stage and 42.68% and 49.60% in the grain in the mass stage suave and 44.43% and 42.90% at harvest maturation. The highest yield of digestible dry matter was observed with the cultivars harvested at the grain stage at the soft mass stage. Triticale IPR 111 and Wheat IPR PANATY had greater productive potential and better nutritional quality for use as forage.

A low‐cost greenhouse‐based high‐throughput phenotyping platform for genetic studies: A case study in maize under inoculation with plant growth‐promoting bacteria

AbstractGreenhouse‐based high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) presents a useful approach for studying novel plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB). Despite the potential of this approach to leverage genetic variability for breeding new maize (Zea Mays L.) cultivars exhibiting highly stable symbiosis with PGPB, greenhouse‐based HTP platforms are not yet widely used because they are highly expensive; hence, it is challenging to perform HTP studies under a limited budget. In this study, we built a low‐cost greenhouse‐based HTP platform to collect growth‐related image‐derived phenotypes. We assessed 360 inbred maize lines with or without PGPB inoculation under nitrogen‐limited conditions. Plant height, canopy coverage, and canopy volume obtained from photogrammetry were evaluated five times during early maize development. A plant biomass index was constructed as a function of plant height and canopy coverage. Inoculation with PGPB promoted plant growth in early developmental stages. Phenotypic correlations between the image‐derived phenotypes and manual measurements were at least 0.47 in the later stages of plant development. The genomic heritability estimates of the image‐derived phenotypes ranged from 0.23 to 0.54. Moderate‐to‐strong genomic correlations between the plant biomass index and shoot dry mass (0.24–0.47) and between HTP‐based plant height and manually measured plant height (0.55–0.68) across the developmental stages showed the utility of our HTP platform. Collectively, our results demonstrate the usefulness of the low‐cost HTP platform for large‐scale genetic and management studies to capture plant growth.

Исследование компонентного состава эфирного масла мяты азиатской методом газожидкостной хромато-масс-спектрометрии

Medicinal plant raw materials have always been actively used in traditional and folk medicine. This is due to the wide range of medicinal plants therapeutic effect. Due to its therapeutic effect, Mentha asiatica Boriss is widely applied in the Republic of Tajikistan. It is used in the treatment of headaches, respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal tract disorders. To achieve the necessary level of pharmacological effect, it is necessary to take into account that the component composition of biologically active substances can change at different stages of plant development. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the component composition of Mentha asiatica essential oil at the stage of budding and flowering. Materials and methods: Samples of the Mentha asiatica essential oil were obtained during budding and flowering to conduct the study by method 1 of the State Pharmacopoeia XIV edition. The chemical composition of Mentha asiatica essential oils was studied by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry on Agilent 7890 A gas chromatograph with Agilent 5975C mass-selective detector. As a result, components such as limonene, eucalyptol, menthone, pulegone and isopulegone were found in the essential oil of flowering Mentha asiatica. Limonene, caryophyllene, carvone, trans-dihydrocarvone, and beta-bourbonene were found in samples of Mentha asiatica essential oil at the budding stage. It was found that all identified biologically active compounds have a wide range of therapeutic effects. Therefore, detailed studies of the Mentha asiatica essential oils pharmacological activity are of importance.

Analysis of the Distribution of Symplasmic Tracers During Zygotic and Somatic Embryogenesis.

Plasmodesmata (PD) are membraneous channels that span cell walls of adjacent cells to establish the symplasm. These connections are unique to plants and enable the cell-to-cell exchange of information via the symplasm. However, not every plant cell is connected to its neighbor. Absence of PD and lack of communication (symplasmic isolation) are important regulators of cell differentiation. To determine cell-to-cell symplasmic connectivity, the distribution of fluorescent tracers can be analyzed. Here, we describe in detail the entire procedure for conducting such analysis using fluorescence and confocal microscopy to study molecular fluxes in fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. Studies using fluorochromes and fluorescent-labeled dextrans successfully inform the degree of symplasmic connectivity between cells in zygotic and somatic embryos. Small molecules, such as water and ions, travel through PD but also transcription factors and different types of RNA. Studies of symplasmic communication are important to determine the spatio-temporal correlation between cell differentiation and the exchange of information between cells. This information is necessary to determine the role of symplasmic communication during embryogenesis, which is a very important stage in plant development and morphogenesis.

Основные аспекты изучения инвазионных видов рода Solidago

The impact of invasive species on the ecosystems belongs to the most important environmental problems. Representatives of the genus Solidago actively invade various plant communities. About 2300 literary sources were analyzed in order to determine the main tasks for the researchers of invasive species of this genus and to highlight the most relevant issues. Ambiguous evidence of the inhibitory effect of goldenrod on native flora species has been observed. Some studies report on the invasion of species of the genus Solidago and the displacement of species of local flora in various natural and climatic conditions. Opposite opinion states that the main changes relate not to taxonomic, but to the functional diversity. The allelopathic effect may be influenced both by edaphic factors and by the stage of plant development, as well as by the flora diversity in different regions and by the mutual influence of these factors. Most likely, essential oil components (terpenes and terpenoids) have an inhibitory effect on competing plants and soil microorganisms.

High-Throughput Screening to Examine the Dynamic of Stay-Green by an Imaging System.

The development of RGB (red, green, blue) sensors has opened the way for plant phenotyping. This is relevant because plant phenotyping allows us to visualize the product of the interaction between the plant ontogeny, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Better yet, this can be achieved at any stage of plant development, i.e., from seedling to maturity. Here, we describe the use of phenotyping, based on the stay-green trait, of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plant, as a model, stressed by water deficit, to elucidate the result of that interaction. Description is based on interpretation of RGB digital images acquired using a phenomic platform and a specific software. These images allow us to obtain a data group related to the color parameters that quantify the changes and alterations in each plant growth and development.

The importance of conserving crop wild relatives in preparing agriculture for climate change

Abstract Climate change is widely acknowledged to have severe implications for global food production and therefore food security. Utilising crop wild relatives (CWR) to help build resilience in domesticated crops is seen as part of the solution assuming that important genetic traits can be transferred to domesticated crops and that the resulting improved crop varieties can be farmed on a sufficiently large scale. CWR can be exploited as a valuable source of alleles related to adaptive traits to counter abiotic and biotic stresses resulting from climate change, and to improve yield and nutrition. This review aims to critically analyse the degree to which CWR have been utilised by crop breeders and researchers and will draw conclusions about the importance of CWR in preparing agriculture for climate change. Examples for CWR-derived improved varieties of nine major crops and at different plant development stages are presented. However, working with CWR is often seen as ‘marginal’. It is problematic due to the complex processes involved and length of time needed for traditional crop breeding, shortage of funds, the limited availability of CWR germplasm, overcoming risk aversion among farmers, and a reluctance by the wider agricultural community to appreciate the scale of the problem and to embrace the potential benefits that could derive from using CWR in crop breeding. Given the observed lack of availability of CWR in accessible germplasm collections, additional resources must be directed towards ensuring CWR are protected in situ and conserved ex situ so they can be made available to researchers.

Effect of Bio-Organic-Mineral Fertilizers on Quality, Yield and Safety Indicators of Potatoes under Conditions of Akmola Region

This article shows the results of determining the effect of bio-organic-mineral fertilizers on the accumulation of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and on the quality, yield indicators of potatoes treated by plant development stages. According to the results of laboratory analysis, the qualitative and quantitative content of dry matter, starch, nitrates, vitamin C, lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury isolated from extracts treated with bio-organic-mineral fertilizers was determined. The effect of two bio-organic-mineral fertilizers and the stage treatment by these fertilizers on the content of dry matter, starch, nitrates, vitamin C, Pb, Cd, As and Hg in potatoes of Nevsky variety was studied. It was shown that the bio-organic-mineral fertilizers have a slight impact on the content of toxic elements in potato tubers and, therefore, on the quality of the product based o-n them. When treating potatoes at the stages of full sprouts + flowering + budding with BioZZ solution and at the stages of full sprouts + flowering + budding with WORMic solution, in which an increase of quality indicators of potato tubers was observed, favorable effect of bio-organic-mineral fertilizers on potato productivity was observed. The data of this study reflect a specific pattern that bio-organic-mineral fertilizers can increase the marketability, improve the quality and productivity of potato seeds and have a positive effect on potato safety.

A quantitative revision of the waterlogging tolerance of perennial forage grasses

Waterlogging tolerance of eight C4 and seven C3 perennial forage grasses was reviewed. The median waterlogging duration was similar between species’ type, ranging between 18 and 21 days. Inter- and intra-species variability was found in shoot and root biomass in response to waterlogging. Urochloa brizantha (C4), Brachiaria hybrid (C4) and Dactylis glomerata (C3) were the less tolerant species to waterlogging (shoot biomass median of 45%, 53% and 80% of controls), while U. humidicola (C4), Paspalum dilatatum (C4), Festuca arundinacea (C3) and Lolium perenne (C3) were the most tolerant (shoot biomass median of 97%, 101%, 87% and 94% of controls). A similar ranking of responses was found among species for root biomass. The formation of aerenchyma/root porosity (a key trait for waterlogging tolerance) was evaluated mainly in U. humidicola and P. dilatatum (C4 waterlogging-tolerant species), which showed considerable constitutive porosity (13% and 32%) and final values of 30% and 41% under waterlogging. Net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance as typical leaf physiological responses matched species’ waterlogging tolerance, with the impact of hypoxia higher in C3 than in C4 species. Gaps in knowledge about waterlogging tolerance in forage grasses are: (i) additional studies on C3 perennial grasses for temperate pasture areas prone to waterlogging, (ii) identification of traits and responses aiding plant recovery after waterlogging (and also during the stress), (iii) reassessment of waterlogging tolerance considering plant developmental stage (e.g. adult vs young plants), and (iv) evaluation of sequential (i.e. waterlogging − drought) and combined (i.e. waterlogging + salinity) stresses, which often co-occur in pasture lands.

A UAV‐based high‐throughput phenotyping approach to assess time‐series nitrogen responses and identify trait‐associated genetic components in maize

AbstractAdvancements in the use of genome‐wide markers have provided unprecedented opportunities for dissecting the genetic components that control phenotypic trait variation. However, cost‐effectively characterizing agronomically important phenotypic traits on a large scale remains a bottleneck. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based high‐throughput phenotyping has recently become a prominent method, as it allows large numbers of plants to be analyzed in a time‐series manner. In this experiment, 233 inbred lines from the maize (Zea mays L.) diversity panel were grown in the field under different nitrogen treatments. Unmanned aerial vehicle images were collected during different plant developmental stages throughout the growing season. A workflow for extracting plot‐level images, filtering images to remove nonfoliage elements, and calculating canopy coverage and greenness ratings based on vegetation indices (VIs) was developed. After applying the workflow, about 100,000 plot‐level image clips were obtained for 12 different time points. High correlations were detected between VIs and ground truth physiological and yield‐related traits. The genome‐wide association study was performed, resulting in n = 29 unique genomic regions associated with image extracted traits from two or more of the 12 total time points. A candidate gene Zm00001d031997, a maize homolog of the Arabidopsis HCF244 (high chlorophyll fluorescence 244), located underneath the leading single nucleotide polymorphisms of the canopy coverage associated signals were repeatedly detected under both nitrogen conditions. The plot‐level time‐series phenotypic data and the trait‐associated genes provide great opportunities to advance plant science and to facilitate plant breeding.