A Multidimensional Approach to Cereal Caryopsis Development: Insights into Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) and Emerging Applications

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new framework using advanced imaging and AI to study adlay grain development, aiming to boost its agricultural potential.

Contribution

A novel multidimensional framework integrating 3D phenotyping and spatial multi-omics for adlay caryopsis development.

Findings

Current adlay research lacks systematic use of advanced technologies like micro-CT and AI.

The proposed framework bridges macroscopic and microscopic aspects of adlay grain development.

The approach aims to enable precision breeding and modernization of adlay as a health-promoting cereal.

Abstract

Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) stands out as a vital health-promoting cereal due to its dual nutritional and medicinal properties; however, it remains significantly underdeveloped compared to major crops. The lack of mechanistic understanding of its caryopsis development and trait formation severely constrains targeted genetic improvement. While transformative technologies, specifically micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging combined with AI-assisted analysis (e.g., Segment Anything Model (SAM)) and multi-omics approaches, have been successfully applied to unravel the structural and physiological complexities of model cereals, their systematic adoption in adlay research remains fragmented. Going beyond a traditional synthesis of these methodologies, this article proposes a novel, multidimensional framework specifically designed for adlay. This forward-looking strategy integrates high-resolution 3D phenotyping with spatial multi-omics data to bridge the gap between macroscopic caryopsis architecture and microscopic metabolic accumulation. By offering a precise digital solution to elucidate adlay’s unique developmental mechanisms, the proposed framework aims to accelerate precision breeding and advance the scientific modernization of this promising underutilized crop.

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