Abstract: Non-destructive, rapid and accurate monitoring of crop growth status is of significance in estimating crop growth parameters, enhancing water and nitrogen management and promoting the research and application of precision farming. Based on the spectral features of the vegetation, the commonly used spectral analysis methods and data management methods (e.g. vegetation indices, derivative spectral, continuum removal, red edge etc.) were applied for retrieval of crop growth parameters and biochemistry with applications of statistical regression method, and further monitor crop growth status to predict yield and quality. The paper introduces the research progress on the spectral-based monitoring of crop growth status and physiology and biochemistry, and summarizes domestic and overseas advances about estimating crop yield and predicting crop quality. Finally, the future advance trends and the prospect of application were brought up.