Scientists have made a groundbreaking breakthrough in understanding how genetically identical potato plants can grow differently, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). The research, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals that fungi and bacteria on potatoes’ surface play a crucial role in growth, and an AI model has identified the best microbial predictors of plant success.
Using data from 240 test fields and thousands of seed potato samples, the AI model analyzed factors such as fungal and bacterial presence on the potato’s surface and drone shots of the resulting plants. The researchers confirmed that certain microbes, like Streptomyces species bacteria, promote growth, while others inhibit it.
This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for agriculture, particularly in addressing global food security challenges. Potatoes are a vital crop source, but their resilience to climate change is under threat. This research offers a new approach to bolstering crops with beneficial microbes, potentially leading to more resilient and healthy plants, reduced waste, and lower pesticide use.
The scientists plan to expand the AI model’s capabilities to study how microbes interact with other crops, and even engineer plants to attract and retain ideal microbes. This technology has the potential to transform farming practices, enabling farmers to produce bigger harvests while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/tech/scientists-revolutionary-breakthrough-could-reshape-111508573.html