USDA to use AI to decode the genetics of more than 600,000 seed samples

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allocate $180 mln to a large-scale program aimed at decoding the genetic code of more than 600,000 seed and plant material samples stored in national genetic resource banks. Artificial intelligence technologies will be used to analyze the resulting data.

The program will cover the US National Plant Germplasm System, which includes 22 seed banks and holds material from more than 16,000 plant species. A large part of the collection has not yet been fully sequenced, so over the next two years USDA plans to create a detailed digital genetic map of these resources.

AI will be used to identify genes and combinations of traits linked to resistance to drought, diseases, pests and adverse weather conditions. This is expected to help breeders find useful genetic material more quickly and accelerate the development of new crop varieties.

One of the program’s goals is to reduce the US agricultural sector’s dependence on foreign genetic material. USDA views seeds and genetic diversity as a strategic resource for food security and the competitiveness of US farmers.

By 2028, the US plans to establish a national digital genomic database compatible with AI tools and accessible to researchers and breeding companies. The initiative is expected to improve access to public genetic resources and speed up the introduction of new varieties into production.

Tags: seeds, USA, AI