How do Breeders Know Which Part of the DNA Corresponds to the Trait They are Breeding for?

Dec 10, 2018

Crop breeders gather field, lab data for improved traits

Plant breeders need to know there’s good genetics in the crops they are developing. The Dec. 7th Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains how crop scientists improve crops using data gathered from both the field and the lab.

“DNA is like an ‘instruction manual’ that gives every living plant and animal its own unique traits,” says Christine Bradish, AVOCA.

For plants, this can include traits that can be measured in the field—for example, flower color, plant height, or disease resistance. These are phenotypes. Researchers take as many measurements as possible, and across the widest range of field locations and years as possible.

On a microscopic level in the lab, scientists can map out a plant’s traits in the chromosomes. This is the genotype. “Many plants now have entire genetic maps done, or better yet, have all their DNA sequenced. It’s a big deal to have a plant’s DNA sequenced, and can help breeders in selecting new crop varieties to develop.”

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Video: predictive weed Management saves on herbicide costs and increases yield potential

Gowan Canada is partnering with Geco Strategic Weed Management to help Canadian growers take a strategic approach to weed control through data-driven prediction and planning.

Geco’s technology uses data and AI to map where weeds have been over the past five years and predict where patches are likely to emerge next season. These insights allow farms and retailers to plan ahead and target actions in the most challenging areas.

“Our technology enables the question: if you could know where your most problematic patches are and where they are spreading to, what could you do differently? That’s what our technology makes possible,” said Greg Stewart, CEO of Geco. “Many of our farms are already using our prescriptions along with Gowan products, so this collaboration is a natural next step.”