China builds dedicated AI breeding infrastructure for agriculture

China is developing specialized infrastructure to integrate artificial intelligence into crop and livestock breeding. Beijing plans to establish an innovative intelligent breeding hub combining computing capacity, big-data management systems, genetic laboratories, experimental facilities and advanced robotic equipment.

One of the key areas will be automated collection of phenotypic data directly in the field. In Beijing, around 70 thsd corn plants are monitored around the clock by camera-equipped drones, optical LiDAR, multispectral sensors, thermal imaging equipment and a ground robot. The system can collect data on 4 thsd plants per hour and requires only two operators. At another breeding base in southern China, a similar system monitors more than 360 thsd corn plants across 16 ha.

The collected information is converted into digital plant profiles containing data on morphological traits, growth rates and other characteristics. Combining these datasets with genomic information is expected to accelerate the selection of plants with desirable traits, including tolerance to dense planting and lodging, as well as high yield potential.

China is also launching specialized AI platforms to process these data. Shannon Breeding Studio allows breeders to formulate tasks in natural language, after which the system selects the necessary data and models, evaluates promising hybrids and analyzes trial results. In wheat breeding, preparation of a breeding program that previously required around 10 person-months of work can be reduced to 0.5 person-month with AI.

The new infrastructure will extend beyond crop production. China plans to establish four types of experimental AI platforms covering crops, livestock, aquaculture and microbiology. Dedicated systems for crop stress-resistance assessment, molecular plant breeding and intelligent livestock production are already being developed, creating an integrated technological base for the digitalization of agricultural breeding.

Tags: AI, China