Breeders and Propagators: Better Seedling Parents with Agriware Software

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Plant Breeding Results

Over the last decade, technological advancements have revolutionized plant breeding. Breeders, once reliant solely on experience and subjective assessments, now harness tools like marker-assisted selection and big data analytics. These innovations significantly increase the likelihood of developing commercially successful varieties, leading to higher turnover and stronger market positioning.

The Importance of Data in Modern Breeding Techniques

The cornerstone of these modern techniques is data. The more extensive and detailed the data, the more accurate the breeding software's predictions. Predicting the success of a new hybrid involves analyzing the traits of potential parent plants and their progeny. However, a key challenge remains: how can breeders efficiently record this data without being bogged down by time-consuming computer work? And what essential features should a tool have to facilitate this process?

Essential Features for Efficient Breeding Observations

To effectively assess plants in greenhouses, a tool must satisfy three critical conditions:

1. Individual Plant Assessment: Each seedling, unique in its characteristics, must be evaluated independently. Breeders need to discern and select superior varieties, discarding those that don't meet the criteria.
2. Comprehensive and Varied Assessments: Breeders must conduct various evaluations on each seedling throughout its lifecycle, covering aspects like germination, resistance, and other vital characteristics.
3. Image Capturing Capability: A picture can convey more than words, especially in breeding. The ability to photograph seedlings, particularly those with distinctive traits, is invaluable.

Streamlining Seedling Assessment with Agriware

Agriware, coupled with a mobile add-on from our partner, makes greenhouse assessments straightforward using smartphones or tablets. Breeders can create custom assessment templates tailored to different seedling lifecycle stages, accessible directly from mobile devices. Each seedling can be assigned a unique identifier, linking inspections to specific plants and allowing photo attachments to each record.

These inspection records are instantly uploaded to Agriware and integrated into the breeding software. Agriware's comprehensive data on seedling parentage enhances the breeding software's ability to identify promising hybrid combinations, thereby increasing the probability of successful crossbreeding outcomes.