Assess predictive value of three-dimensional shape descriptors

Determine whether the three-dimensional Curvature and Taper-to-Tip indices provide predictive value for kernel-distribution and grain-filling traits beyond corresponding two-dimensional measurements.

Background

The pipeline introduces three-dimensional shape descriptors derived from the reconstructed maize-ear mesh, including Curvature and Taper-to-Tip. These descriptors are conceptually related to kernel distribution and grain-filling traits previously studied with two-dimensional phenotyping methods.

The paper establishes that the descriptors capture geometric variation, but does not determine whether they improve biological prediction beyond existing two-dimensional measurements. The authors explicitly identify this as an open question requiring future validation.