b'TAKEAWAY: AI is andrives innovation, rather thandifferent sectors. However, umbrella term thatbeing a singular technology inwhile we have witnessed encompasses an infiniteitself. remarkable progress, we are array of learning algorithmsWith machine learningyet to see some of the grand that allow computers totechniques, the researcherspredictions about AI material-gather information andhave trained a model usingize fully.learn from it. Its notextensive seed images, allow- Schweigert highlighted the perfect, but will get bettering it to learn and predict thechallenges in hiring quality Blackleg over time and is morecharacteristics of differentfield agronomists and product Darkened, ghoulish stems.effective if you learn howseeds. This innovative technol- support positions in the seed Cankered, rotting body.to use it properly andogy serves a specific purpose,industry. Gnarled, shriveled pods.familiarize yourself with itsaddressing the challenge ofAs each farm is unique, Shattering seeds, scatteredstrengths and weaknesses. accurately identifying seeds. agronomists must adapt victims. Twisted, monstrousThe imaging project, ato changing environmen-silhouette amidst the goldenHarness AI to Automatecollaboration between 20/20tal nuances year after year, canola field.Repetitive Tasks Seed Labs and the Universitymaking the job increasingly According to Kumar, AI canof Albertas Glen Uhrig Lab,demanding, he says.empower seed analysts byhighlights the growing interestIn this context, AI emerges automating repetitive tasksand investment in AI withinas a promising aid for seed like seed quality inspection,the seed industry. brands and retail operations. freeing up time for moreKumar envisions a posi- By leveraging AI-powered critical analysis. Rather thantive impact on seed analysistechnology like drones and replacing human expertise,through AI, offering advance- advanced data analysis, AI acts as a valuable tool toments in seed identificationagronomists can cover more complement and enhance theand a promising future for theground and gather informa-workforce. seed industry. By harnessingtion swiftly, he adds. While apprehensions arethe potential of AI methodolo- Drones provide a birds-understandable, embracinggies, seed analysts can makeeye view of fields, aiding in Sclerotinia AI can lead to a more fulfilledmore informed decisions,disease diagnosis and moni-Bleached, wilting figure.workforce, increased produc- optimize operational pro- toring plant health. Combining Cottony, haunting growth.tivity, and superior decision- cesses, and enhance customeron-the-ground experience Hollow, rotting inside.making capabilities. AIsexperiences. with AI-processed data ena-Scattered, hard black bodies.predictive abilities offer signifi- bles agronomists to efficiently Ghostly presence in lushcant potential for early diseaseTAKEAWAY: AI is not aanalyze vast acres and make green fields. Silent, deadlyand pest outbreak detection,futuristic villain, but ainformed decisions.invader. enabling proactive and tar- practical tool that can geted crop management,hetransform the seed industryTAKEAWAY: Although says. for the better. As with anyAI will never fully20/20 Seed Labs hasnew technology, AI willreplace the expertise of been working on a ground- shape the industry, creatingseasoned agronomists, breaking computer imagingnew roles and empoweringit complements their project in collaboration withagronomists to tacklecapabilities and enhances the University of Alberta.challenges more effectively.overall productivity. Before delving into the spe-cifics of this project, KumarHarness AI to Sell Product Simplify Farm Size took a moment to explain theThough AI has gained promi- ExpansionRhizoctonia essence of AI and how it revo- nence in recent times, itsFor Boychyn, the notion Reddish-brown, gnarledlutionizes seed analysis. roots trace back to the 1950sof efficiency in agronomy figure. Sunken, rotting lesions.The vast world of AIwhen computer programsis a pivotal topic that has Strangled, stunted roots.encompasses various tech- capable of solving math prob- sparked fascinating discus-Withered, wilted foliage.nologies like machine learn- lems marked the birth of AI.sions. As farm sizes continue Menacing presence in verdanting, deep learning, and neuralOver the years, AI has evolvedto expand, there is growing pea fields. Stealthy, destruc- language processing. Its asignificantly, showcasing itsinterest in understanding how tive marauder. methodological approach thatpotential to revolutionizeAI can drive advancements SEPTEMBER 2023 SEEDWORLD.COM /49'