HairNet: a deep learning model to score leaf hairiness, a key phenotype for cotton fibre yield, value and insect resistance.

Background: Leaf hairiness (pubescence) is an important plant phenotype which regulates leaf transpiration, affects sunlight penetration, and provides increased resistance or susceptibility against certain insects. Cotton accounts for 80% of global natural fibre production, and in this crop leaf hairiness also affects fibre yield and value. Currently, this key phenotype is measured visually which is slow, laborious and operator-biased.