Bayer uses AI to accelerate corn and canola breeding

Bayer is using artificial intelligence and digital twins to speed up crop breeding. According to the company, these technologies have shortened the overall product development cycle by around two years compared with the traditional 7–10 years.

Bayer’s models analyse genomic data and field trial results to predict promising combinations before seeds are planted. The company relies on a database of around 117 bln seed performance data points.

Digital twins also allow Bayer to simulate how plants perform under different conditions, including heat, drought and strong winds. The company says some selection stages that once required years of field trials can now be completed within months.

Products Bayer plans to bring to Australia include Preceon short-stature corn, new cotton and canola solutions, and two oilseeds for biofuel production. Preceon is already sold in the US, Mexico, Italy and Spain and is being launched in Argentina in 2026.

Bayer has not provided specific launch dates for Australia. The products will still need regulatory approval before commercial use, meaning faster breeding does not necessarily translate into equally fast market entry.

Tags: corn, canola, Bayer, AI