b'PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER CONTENTSMARTtray: A Paradigmeliminates the need for this outdated method: Simultaneous 96-well samplingShift in Plant BreedingBarcode-enabled traceability Seamless integration with LIMS and labautomation Redefining Precision, Efficiency, and Scalability. These features eliminate human error, Breaking Through the Bottlenecks of Early-Stage Selection. reduce labor, and ensure data reliability. SMARTtray in the Language of the Breeders EquationPlant breeders often summarize the driv- Together, these improvements multiply.Combined, these benefits translate into ers of genetic gain G with the well-knownSMARTtray does not just improve onefaster breeding cycles, reduced costs, and Breeders Equation: factor of the Breeders Equationit en- stronger pipelines.hances every driver of genetic gain, result-ing in a step-change in breeding efficiency. A Paradigm Shift for the Future of FoodGlobal agriculture is under unprecedented SMARTtray acceleratespressure from climate change, emerging Where G is genetic gain, i is selectionpests, and the demand for sustainable intensity, r is selection accuracy,A is ad- every parameter of theproduction methods. Successful breeding ditive genetic variance, and L is generationBreeders Equationunlockingprograms will combine speed, precision, interval. This deceptively simple formulagenetic gain at unprecedentedand scalability.captures the four levers every breeder can pull to accelerate progress. speed and scale. SMARTtray delivers exactly that. It is not just a toolit is a new workflow that SMARTtray impacts all four parametersProven, Protected, and Scalable empowers breeders to unlock genetic in a measurable way: Since its market launch in 2023, SMART- potential at a scale and speed previously i): By enabling thetray has been adopted by leading breed- unthinkable.P lant breeding is a numbers game.The outcome was not just a new samplingplantsdramatically expanding the effec-Selection Intensity ( ing organizations worldwide. Its disruptiveStop working within yesterdays limits. screening of thousands of seedlings Success depends on screening largetool, but a comprehensive system thattive gene pool and increasing statisticalinstead of hundreds, SMARTtraypotential has been recognized with multi-populations to identify rare, superiortransforms the entire early-stage selectionpowerwhere previously only thousandsdramatically increases population size.ple industry awards.With SMARTtray, compromise is a thing genotypes. However, despite rapid ad- workflow. were feasible. More candidates allow stricter thresh- of the past.vances in genomics and molecular tools, aolds while maintaining diversitydirectlyThe technology is protected by two inter-stubborn bottleneck remains: the practicalThat Makes SMARTtray Different Space savings of up to 90% free breedersboosting intensity. national patents: The Bottom Linelimitations of early-stage cultivation andSMARTtray is a standardized platformfrom costly greenhouse constraints.Selection Accuracy (r): High-quality DNA1. Tray-based cultivation and sampling For breeders and geneticists: earlier,tissue sampling. that combines cultivation, sampling, andfrom non-destructive root samplingsystem. better data with healthier seedlings.selection: Non-Destructive Root Sampling: DNAimproves marker-based predictions. This2. Fully integrated SMARTtray workflow.For decision-makers: de-risked pipelines,The costs of field and greenhouse cul-High-density seedling cultivation in a 96- Without Sacrificing the Plant reduces errors, improves signal-to-noise,SMARTtray is offered as: optimized budgets, and accelerated ROI. tivation, manual labor, and destructivewell tray format. The SMARTtray system gently collectsand lowers the risk of mix-ups, result-Integration model: sale of all modules forsampling have forced breeders to compro-Automated, non-destructive root sam- root tissue without harming seedlings.ing in more precise identification of rareon-site use. SMARTtray is more than innovation. It ismiseon the number of plants, the size ofpling of 96 plants that delivers high-qual- Plants remain healthy and unstressed,alleles and recombinants.Full-service model: a turnkey solutiona paradigm shifta decisive step towardthe gene pool, and the speed of breedingity DNA. ready to advance to subsequent genera-Genetic Variability ( A): High-density cul- managed by the SMARTtray team. a more efficient, precise, and sustainablecycles.Laser-assisted plant selection with bar- tions. tivation is affordable in terms of space,future in plant breeding. code tracking and full traceability. labor, and energy. This makes it possibleComing in Q1 2026: SMARTtray 2.0 for SMARTtray changes the rules Root tips are also ideal for DNA extractionto access more of the genetic variationmaize and soybean, extending the work-With SMARTtray, breeders can screenThis integration turns the early stages ofbecause they are dense with cells andin a population, increasing the likelihoodflow to large grain crops. SMARTtray at a Glancemore, learn faster, and achieve sooner. breeding from a manual bottleneck into afree of inhibitors such as chlorophyll andof capturing rare but valuable combina-Market launch: 2023streamlined, high-throughput process. polyphenols. The outcome: tions. The Measurable ImpactPatents: 2 international patents Born from Necessity, Built for BreedersHigher DNA yieldGeneration Interval (L): SMARTtray re- Breeding programs using SMARTtray(system + workflow) SMARTtray was founded in DecemberHigh-Density Miniaturization: From Thou-Cleaner extractions duces cycle length with integrated mark- report:Models: Integration and Full-Service 2022 based on a simple insight: genotyp- sands to MillionsMore reliable downstream analysis er-assisted selection (MAS) and acceler-90% reduction in sampling timeNext step: SMARTtray 2.0 for corn ing was no longer the limiting factorsam- Seedlings are cultivated in a compact,ated sampling workflowsshortening the 80% reduction in personnel requirements and soybean and other large seed pling was. A team of experienced breeders96-well format under optimized, dynamicIntegrated, Error-Proof Workflow seed-to-seed time by 810 days. Shorter 90% reduction in cultivation space crops (Q1 2026) Key benefits: 90% faster sampling, and molecular biologists set out to elimi- LED lighting in controlled conditions. ThisManual single-plant sampling is labor-in- cycles mean more cycles per year, and 810 days faster advancement from seednate this bottleneck. allows breeders to cultivate thousands oftensive and error-prone. SMARTtraymore opportunities for gain. to seed80% fewer staff, 90% less space smarttray.eu info@smarttray.de'