Accessing the effect of phyllotaxy and planting density on light interception in field-grown maize using 3D reconstructions

High-density planting is a widely adopted strategy to enhance maize productivity, yet it introduces challenges such as increased interplant competition and shading, which can limit light capture and overall yield potential. In response, some maize plants naturally reorient their canopies to optimize light capture, a process known as canopy reorientation. Understanding this adaptive response and its impact on light capture is crucial for maximizing agricultural yield potential. This study introduces an end-to-end framework that integrates realistic 3D reconstructions of field-grown Zea mays L. with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) modeling to assess the effects of phyllotaxy and planting density on light interception. Using 3D point clouds derived from field data, virtual fields for a diverse set of maize genotypes were constructed and validated against field PAR measurements across ten inbreds (R 2 = 0.79). Results show that off-row-parallel leaf orientations intercepted on average ≈22% more PAR than on-row-parallel and ≈14% more than random orientations at 30 in. row spacing. We further present detailed analyses of the impact of canopy orientations, plant and row spacings, and planting row directions on PAR interception throughout a typical growing season. By elucidating the relationship between canopy architecture and light interception, this study offers valuable guidance for optimizing maize breeding and cultivation strategies across diverse agricultural settings. • Virtual measurement framework for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of field maize. • Framework validated with actual field measurements. • Explored PAR interception under varying maize leaf azimuth angles and canopy reorientation. • Analyzed the impact of planting row directions on PAR interception. • Investigated the effects of planting densities on PAR interception.