Open AccessClassifying cold‐stress responses of inbred maize seedlings using RGB imaging
Author(s) -
Enders Tara A.,
St. Dennis Susan,
Oakland Justin,
Callen Steven T.,
Gehan Malia A.,
Miller Nathan D.,
Spalding Edgar P.,
Springer Nathan M.,
Hirsch Cory D.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plant direct
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.211
H-Index - 11
ISSN - 2475-4455
DOI - 10.1002/pld3.104
Subject(s) - biology , inbred strain , quantitative trait locus , shoot , horticulture , cold stress , genotype , agronomy , genetics , gene
Increasing the tolerance of maize seedlings to low‐temperature episodes could mitigate the effects of increasing climate variability on yield. To aid progress toward this goal, we established a growth chamber‐based system for subjecting seedlings of 40 maize inbred genotypes to a defined, temporary cold stress while collecting digital profile images over a 9‐daytime course. Image analysis performed with Plant CV software quantified shoot height, shoot area, 14 other morphological traits, and necrosis identified by color analysis. Hierarchical clustering of changes in growth rates of morphological traits and quantification of leaf necrosis over two time intervals resulted in three clusters of genotypes, which are characterized by unique responses to cold stress. For any given genotype, the set of traits with similar growth rates is unique. However, the patterns among traits are different between genotypes. Cold sensitivity was not correlated with the latitude where the inbred varieties were released suggesting potential further improvement for this trait. This work will serve as the basis for future experiments investigating the genetic basis of recovery to cold stress in maize seedlings.