High-throughput Plant Phenotyping and Vegetation Indices: A Synergy for Future Farming

Abstract

High-throughput plant phenotyping (HTP) and vegetation indices (VIs) are revolutionizing modern agriculture by enabling rapid, non-destructive, and large-scale assessment of plant traits. HTP platforms, utilizing advanced imaging technologies such as multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, capture detailed data on plant growth, health, and stress responses. Vegetation indices derived from spectral reflectance at specific wavelengths quantitatively assess key parameters like biomass, chlorophyll content, and canopy structure. Indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), CIgreen etc. offer robust tools for monitoring crop vigor, nutrient status, and environmental adaptation. Integrating HTP with VIs accelerates crop improvement by providing precise, high-resolution phenotypic data, supporting the development of resilient, resource-efficient cultivars. As these technologies evolve, their synergy promises to enhance yield prediction, resource management, and sustainable farming practices, ultimately ensuring food security in the face of climate change and global population growth.