Three-dimensional photogrammetric analysis of shoot growth dynamics and spatial competition in in vitro–grown kiwifruit explants

Because conventional vegetative propagation methods for Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa (A.Chev.) C.F.Liang & A.R.Ferguson) often are constrained by their need for extensive plantation areas, high labour inputs, and intensive weed management. Therefore, in vitro micropropagation has emerged as an effective approach for the large-scale production of uniform, disease-free kiwifruit plant material. In the present study the shoot growth dynamics and spatial competition between explants for kiwifruit (cv. Hayward) in vitro-grown were investigated considering different explant densities (3, 5, and 7) and two subculture durations (30 and 45 days). Growth performance was assessed integrating traditional measurements (shoot viability, number and length, callus formation, fresh and dry biomass) with high-resolution three-dimensional photogrammetric reconstruction. Image acquisition was performed using a smartphone-based system (iPhone+viDoc RTK rover), and dense point clouds were generated through the Structure from Motion photogrammetric processing, providing the basis for quantitative geometric analysis. Consistent correlations were observed between manually measured growth traits and smartphone-derived morphometric parameters at both 30 and 45 days of subculture. Specifically, point cloud–based estimates of surface area, height, and volume were significantly associated with shoot number, shoot length, and biomass accumulation, supporting the reliability of 3D photogrammetry as a non-destructive tool for phenotyping in vitro kiwifruit growth. The proposed approach demonstrates the potential of 3D photogrammetry to enhance the objectivity, resolution, and repeatability of growth assessment in in vitro culture systems, offering new insights into shoot development and density-dependent interactions. Non-destructive 3D phenotyping of in vitro–grown kiwifruit reveals shoot growth dynamics and spatial competition driven by explant density and subculture duration.