Chinese scientists expand AI in crops breeding to boost yield
The event showcased cutting-edge technologies and innovations in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and efficient farming practices. Industry leaders and experts discussed various aspects of smart breeding, such as genetic engineering, precision agriculture, and digital farming. The congress provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in the agriculture sector. Participants exchanged ideas on how to address challenges and opportunities in the industry through advanced breeding techniques. The event highlighted the significance of leveraging technology to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability.
The smart seed counting applet on display at the 2025 Seed Congress and Nanfan Agricultural Silicon Valley Forum held in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province from March 19 to March 23, 2025. (Photo/Sanya Daily)
Smart Breeding Innovations
Smart breeding took center stage at the 2025 Seed Congress and Nanfan Agricultural Silicon Valley Forum, held in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province. Chinese scientists gathered to discuss the application of AI technology in breeding to enhance yield and improve crop varieties, according to media reports.
Chen Xiaoya, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and researcher at the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, briefed attendees on the latest advances in AI breeding. She elaborated on the cutting-edge applications and breakthroughs of AI technology, showcasing the vast potential of AI-driven breeding to industry practitioners.
Advancements in Biological Breeding
Biological breeding has helped researchers identify key points, as noted by Chen Xiaoya. She emphasized that biological breeding is a complex, multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration among experts from various domains to drive its development effectively.
CAS academician Qian Qian highlighted the necessity of using computing and algorithms to uncover the relationships between genes and agronomic traits in crops. This integration of knowledge enables the cultivation of new varieties with desirable traits.
Intelligent Breeding Techniques
CAS academician Li Jiayang shared insights into the advancements and applications of "intelligent breeding." The concept of "intelligent variety with intelligent cultivation" integrates biotechnology, information technology, and AI to develop varieties capable of autonomously responding to environmental and climatic changes.
Li emphasized that intelligent varieties can adapt to environmental changes, adjust plant architecture, improve resource utilization efficiency, increase yield, enhance taste and nutrition, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
Implementation of AI in Breeding
AI breeding is transitioning from theory to reality, with researchers utilizing advanced technologies like remote sensing for real-time analyses and decision-making in breeding research. China National Seed Group Co, Ltd and other institutions have launched innovative systems and models to enhance breeding efficiency and precision.
Researchers are developing AI algorithms and automated machine learning frameworks to integrate environmental and genomic data for precise genetic analyses and genomic prediction, significantly reducing computation time and improving the efficiency of intelligent crop breeding.
Technological Advancements in Seed Industry
Technological advancements like seed counting machines powered by AI models are simplifying processes such as counting and packaging crop seeds. These devices can handle large-scale production efficiently, streamlining operations in the seed industry.