Image analysis for mapping immeasurable phenotypes in Maize

An overview is given of challenges in mapping immeasurable phenotypes in maize and the potential of image analysis in a phenotype mapping system. It is argued that the use of image analysis may improve phenotypic quantification by increasing the objectivity and granularity of quantification, which in turn may result in an increase in the rate at which the genes controlling phenotypic traits are isolated. With the provision of sufficient markers and finer characterization of phenotypes, QTL mapping may become more accurate and result in smaller sections of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to sort through for isolation of genes contributing to a given phenotypic trait.