b'To watch our full-length webinar on this topic visit seedworld.com/2025-scholarsOne example of this research in action is a fi eld trial involv-ing cranberry beans. Isabella Chiaravalloti These plants are the progeny of parents we selected using McGill University a prediction model, she says. Instead of relying solely on phenotype-based selection, we used genomic data to identify top-performing parents. The goal is to select directly on geno-types that align with our breeding objectives.Beyond the research setting, genomic selection has signifi -cant implications for seed retailers and growers. There are two main benefi ts: accuracy and speed, she notes. Genomic selection is particularly powerful for traits with complex genetic architectures, like yield and disease resistance. The more accu-rately we can select for these traits, the faster we can improve quality and adapt to changing environmental and economic conditions.As genomic selection continues to gain traction, retailers play a crucial role in communicating its value to farmers. Its essential to foster communication between breeders, retail-ers and farmers, Chiaravalloti emphasizes. New challenges emerge constantly, whether its a looming disease threat or shifting market demands. Staying aligned ensures that breeding eff orts are targeted eff ectively.At its core, genomic selection builds upon the same princi-ples as traditional breedingidentifying the best genotypes to Isabella Chiaravalloti assesses plants in the fi eld. An example of thismeet specifi c agricultural needs. The diff erence lies in efficiency, research in action is a fi eld trial involving cranberry beans.she adds. Were not changing the fundamentals of breedingwere just using better tools to speed up the process.Chiaravallotis research is reshaping the way breeders approach genomic selection. Her work focuses on developing predic-tive models that help breeders navigate the transition from traditional breeding to genomics-assisted selection. A key component of her research is a simulation platform designed to optimize breeding strategies before they reach the fi eld. Todds TakeFor breeders, there are countless decisions to make when implementing genomic selection, she explains. You need toLooking ahead, the pace of variety development is set to consider your training population, decide when to start using aaccelerate. We need to bridge the gap between research and prediction model, and determine whether to use it for selectingon-farm adoption. This technology will continue to re ne itself parents or reducing the volume of fi eld trials. Simulations allowas its tested and improved. The key is maintaining strong con-us to test diff erent scenarios and anticipate outcomes beforenections with farmers and retailers to understand their needs committing valuable resources. and challenges. The impact of semi-dwarf wheat is a good The platform functions through a series of simple computerexampleit revolutionized harvest eciency. Understandingcommands, allowing users to defi ne breeding parameters suchagronomic limitationswhether its disease resistance or as crossing blocks, selfi ng rates, the number of crosses, andplant statureallows breeders to incorporate solutions more generations. By running multiple breeding cycles, breeders caneciently. Ultimately, these advancements make farming more assess potential genetic gains and evaluate how their programsproductive and sustainable.diversity is aff ected.MARCH 2025SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 35'