Technical Advancements and Emerging Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Plant Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing plant research by offering innovative solutions to enhance productivity, understand plant systems, and tackle global challenges like food security and climate change. The topic explores the application of AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics in precision agriculture, phenotyping, plant breeding, and stress management. AI optimizes resource use in precision agriculture by analyzing data from satellites, drones, and sensors to monitor crop health, predict yields, and manage inputs efficiently. High-throughput phenotyping powered by AI accelerates trait measurement, enabling rapid analysis of growth and environmental interactions. In plant breeding, AI identifies genetic markers for desirable traits, streamlining the development of climate-resilient crops. It also plays a critical role in stress management by predicting and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses while addressing climate change through applications like carbon sequestration modeling and smart greenhouse automation. Through real-world examples, this chapter demonstrates how AI-powered tools are reshaping plant science, providing scalable solutions to boost productivity, promote sustainability, and enhance resilience against environmental challenges, paving the way for a sustainable, food-secure future.