New image-based technology promises a major boost to the breeding of improved cereal varieties for the harsher environmental conditions expected under climate change.

Using multiple images of plants as they grow, it will construct computerised 3-D models that match the plants' changing “shape” with its biological properties and, ultimately, predict yield.

“We want to be able to predict yield based on a collection of measurable plant attributes early in the plant’s lifespan, rather than having to wait for the plant to mature and then measuring the yield,” Professor Anton van den Hengel said.