Imagine biting into your favorite grape sooner than you thought possible! 🍇 Thanks to Chinese scientists wielding the power of AI, the wait for new juicy grape varieties just got a whole lot shorter.
A research team led by Zhou Yongfeng from the Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has discovered a groundbreaking method to speed up grape breeding using artificial intelligence. This innovative approach slashes the traditional breeding time, boosting efficiency by four times and achieving a whopping 85% prediction accuracy!
Traditionally, it takes about three years for a grape seed to sprout and bear fruit, and even longer to cultivate a top-notch grape variety. Scientists have long been on the hunt for faster and simpler ways to create new grape varieties that satisfy our taste buds.
Zhou's team has been on this grape adventure since 2015. In 2023, they unveiled the first complete grape genome map. Building on this epic milestone, they constructed the first grape pan-genome, Grapepan v1.0—kinda like the ultimate grape DNA playlist! 🎵
To crack the grape code, the team selected over 400 representative grape varieties from nearly 10,000 types. Over two years, they dove deep into 29 agronomic traits like cluster size, berry size, skin color, and even the metabolites that make grapes so tasty. The result? Detailed genetic and trait maps that are a treasure trove for grape breeders.
But how do you turn all that data into faster breeding? Enter AI magic! ✨ The team used machine learning to develop a predictive model that can make early predictions and selections. Essentially, it's like having a crystal ball that tells you which grape seedlings will be rockstars and which won't make the cut.
With this AI-powered model, breeders can quickly and accurately assess the genetic potential of tons of breeding materials. This means they can pick out the superstar grapes early on, ditch the duds, and save heaps of time and resources.
\"This research is expected to achieve precise breeding design for grapes, accelerate grape variety innovation, and provide a reference for breeding other perennial crops,\" said Zhou.
This tech isn't just about grapes; it could revolutionize how we breed other perennial crops too! And the team's hard work is paying off—they've snagged approval for six national invention patents and are eyeing an international patent. 🌏
Cheers to faster grape breeding and more delicious varieties hitting our tables sooner! 🍇🥳
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists use AI to accelerate precise grape breeding
cgtn.com
