Description of Innovation:  Novel tools and sensors enable digital phenotyping and advances in breeding strategies by providing a more accurate, real-time evaluation of genetic material under widely varying environmental conditions. Low-cost, user-friendly technologies unlock a uniform methodology for collecting data throughout the breeding pipeline from greenhouse to open field.

Why it matters to the seed industry: With continuous, near field spectral data it’s possible to understand characteristics such as drought-tolerance, staygreen quality and pathogen resistance on a global scale, improving customer satisfaction with seed recommendations. In today’s shifting climate scenarios, evidence of potential success on a site-specific scale becomes increasingly important to the seed industry.