Advancing breeding techniques using data and artificial intelligence

As new processing techniques and products are developed, the needs related to new crop varieties become more precise. Whether it’s increased protein content, lower starch content or the ability to adapt to Canada’s climate, researchers are consistently looking to help crops take on new traits.

The more precise these needs get, however, the harder they can be to achieve. To help, researchers are turning to new forms of technology and artificial intelligence.

“Gene editing systems like CRISPR have the potential to be the most disruptive tool ever created by humans, and we see this project as an advancement of knowledge that can harness the power of gene discovery, gene editing, and controlling the power of biological processes,” Sightline Innovation CEO Wally Trenholm said. “Because gene knowledge requires data manipulation beyond what humans can do on their own, this is a space that must be driven by AI. But given the data space in ag requires specific intellectual property controls and specific privacy and consent controls in human genetics, datatrust are necessary to enable compliant and effective development of these capacities.”

Sightline Innovation is working with partners DL Seeds and SeedNet to develop a new line of yellow peas for agrifood processors. Focused on improving the crop’s functionality in the plant-based protein market, Sightline Innovation is using data and algorithms to develop new varieties that will increase productivity and improve nutrient profiles.

“Data and algorithms will be essential,” Trenholm said. “For the first time, they will allow the exchange of genomics and phenomics with the developer retaining full control over the data, creating a greater willingness to share data with other parties and creating collective knowledge in a form that to date has not been available.”

This, Trenholm explained, will lead to a variety of benefits across the agrifood value chain. In addition to the new crop varieties, he anticipates the use of data, AI and machine learning in variety development to lead to improvements in economies, health and food security around the world.

On a more local level, the staff at Sightline Innovation are looking forward to showcasing their talent and that of others in their field.

“The development of a global genomics/phenomics data trading platform to facilitate the exchange and analysis of plant data to accelerate plant varietal development significantly can benefit all nations,” Trenholm said.

He added that the development of this platform wouldn’t be possible if not for partnerships with crop breeding companies. The knowledge and expertise gained through the partnership with DL Seeds and SeedNet, Trenholm said, helped enable Sightline Innovation to develop their own breeding tool.

This tool, however, isn’t the end of the breeding path for Sightline Innovation. The company hopes to see more partnerships in the future, particularly to further Canada’s data strength.

“We've seen foreign companies leverage data produced by Canadian taxpayer-funded activity, which has not benefited Canadians in the end, but the foreign company itself. We're looking to change that,” Trenholm said. “We believe recognizing the data assets produced in economic partnership between public and private entities and interests can be genuinely transformative.”