How much do you know about machine learning and how it can be applied to plant breeding? It’s a complicated subject, but Computomics, a bioninformatics data analysis company for plant breeding based in Germany, sat down at the International Seed Federation’s World Seed Congress to help us understand more about it.
“Computomics was founded 10 years ago, and our co-founder was one of the first scientists to apply machine learning capabilities to biological datasets,” says Ruth Mayes, director of global business strategy of Computomics.
And now, 10 years down the line from its founding, Computomics offers an innovative predictive breeding technology which allows breeders to identify genetics within a crop’s germplasm, find a target and breed forward.
“We take field data and correlating genetic markers to build a model using machine learning. And we look at combinations of genetic markers, how these markers combine together, and how it influences the phenotype.” says Ruth.
But why is machine learning a game changer for plant breeding?
“It allows the breeder to go away from just testing his germplasm to actually understanding all the elite genetics within his germplasm,” Mayes says. “This allows him to really define a target which is a trait or feature and really breed towards it”
Make sure to visit Computomics‘ website to learn more about their innovative machine learning technology to help plant breeders achieve best possible future crop varieties.
