Drones, robots and sensors make large-scale data collection throughout a growing season feasible, giving crop scientists the capability to discern the timing and duration of genetic effects. Credit: Deb Berger / Iowa State University Though it's largely a hereditary trait, siblings often grow to be different heights. But even if they end up topping out at the same stature, they may take different paths to get there. As they progress through childhood, growth spurts can come at varying ages with varying intensities. It's essentially the same for crops, though breeders typically pay far more attention to the season's-end destination than the journey. That could change as technology such as drones , robots and sensors make large-scale data collection throughout a growing season feasible, giving crop scientists the capability to discern the timing and duration of genetic effects, said Jianming Yu, a professor of agronomy at Iowa State University.…