Wei, QuanZou, XinYu, JiashengLiao, ShiyuYin, HuaLiang, XiaoguiJones, AshleyHenke, MichaelHe, HaohuaSong, Youhong2026-07-192026-07-192041-1723WOS:001805771700005ORCID:/0000-0002-7368-1666/work/220851501https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733813369Crop ideotype breeding aims to design plant architectures that enhance yield and resource use efficiency. Accelerating this process demands a framework for assembling accurate three-dimensional (3D) architecture. This Perspective synthesizes advances in technologies and methodologies in 3D architectural phenotyping. Rapid progress has enabled translating these advances into tangible gains in breeding efficiency. To this end, we propose integrating functional-structural plant models as an overarching framework that optimizes plant architecture combinations, shifting breeding from experience-driven to predictive ideotype design. Convergence of 3D phenotyping, plant modeling and artificial intelligence holds transformative potential to accelerate breeding cycles, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and food security.This work was financially supported by a Natural Key Research and Development of Jiangxi Province (S20251849) and Jiangxi Talent Scheme grant (9232311115), and the Uni fund for Y.S. The work of M.H. was funded by the Research Plan for NSFC Awarded Project, Research Fund for International Excellent Young Scientists (W2432023).9en©2026 The authorsBiomassField2026-06-2610.1038/s41467-026-74679-5105043126838