ai advances in plant breeding for climate-resilient crops
Scientists at Wageningen University use AI to develop climate-resilient crops, enhancing traits like drought resistance. This innovation aims to ensure food security amid growing climate challenges.
Leveraging AI in Agriculture
Researchers at Wageningen University, led by Michael Schon, are pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to unlock the secrets of non-coding genes in plants. The AI tool, GeneSketch, developed by Schon’s team, aims to streamline the comparison of non-coding RNA in plant genomes. This groundbreaking approach promises to revolutionize plant breeding by enabling the development of new plant varieties with enhanced traits such as drought resistance and higher yields.
How GeneSketch Works
GeneSketch employs advanced AI techniques, including transformer technology, to accurately map non-coding RNAs and their functions. By identifying and comparing these genes across different plant species, the tool facilitates a deeper understanding of gene regulation. This understanding allows scientists to manipulate the non-coding regions of plant genomes to engineer crops with specific, desirable traits. The practical implications of this technology are vast, offering a game-changing approach to plant breeding that could significantly enhance crop resilience and productivity.
International Collaboration
The advancements at Wageningen University are part of a broader trend in agricultural science where international collaboration plays a crucial role. German researchers, for instance, are leveraging AI to understand plant genetics through deep learning models. These models link gene sequence data with mRNA copy numbers to accurately predict gene activity and improve gene regulation understanding. Dr. Jedrzej Jakub Szymanski’s team has developed models that predict gene activity across various plant species, pinpointing regulatory sequence variations that explain differences in gene activity and resulting traits.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The global implications of these AI-driven innovations in plant breeding are profound. By creating ‘smart crops’ that are resistant to environmental stresses while maintaining high productivity, these advancements address the pressing issue of food security in the face of climate change. Other institutions, such as the University of Florida’s Horticultural Sciences Department and the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are also contributing to this field. Their research focuses on improving fruit and vegetable production and understanding plant genetics respectively, further enhancing the resilience and adaptability of future crops.