AI Is Revolutionizing Barley Identification

AI Is Revolutionizing Barley Identification Seed growers and grain inspectors can usually distinguish barley varieties, often using a 10x lens or microscope. If the variety is unknown, a genetic test can identify it, though this process is costly and takes at least a week. ZoomAgri in Argentina offers an Artificial Intelligence-based solution for quick, accurate and cost-effective variety identification. The technology company’s platform has been used in over 20 countries to identify imported barley varieties. Canadian barley producers, through the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), have been training the ZoomAgri machine, creating high-resolution scans of more than 250 samples. The device resembles an office scanner, with a special holder for separating seeds. A sample is poured, and the seeds are spread evenly. The machine scans them, compares the images to its database, and identifies the variety or mix, achieving accuracy nearly equal to genetic testing. Todd Hyra, Western business manager with SeCan in Winnipeg, a partner of the CMBTC, says it initially seemed too good to be true. “When we met with Marco and Augustine from ZoomAgri back in May, it seemed pretty wild to be able to take a high-resolution digital scan and train it, when the speed of it just seems so out of this world,” he says. During a presentation at the Interprovincial Seed Growers Associations Meeting in Saskatoon, November 2023, the machine accurately identified numerous barley variety samples in just two minutes or less. Malting barley varieties frequently have a similar appearance, which can vary depending on the region and growing conditions. By using a wide range of samples, machine learning algorithms can efficiently handle these differences. Major maltsters and exporters depend on varietal purity, so quick and accurate confirmation of varieties is crucial for their operations. “When it can be done on every truckload added to a bin, it just heads off any issues with contamination or variety mixing,” Hyra said. He considers ZoomAgri technology to be an addition to the current seed variety certification process, not a substitute. This rapid method for assessing variety and varietal purity may enhance the range of tools available to seed growers. “They’ll use their own processes to keep it pure, but this provides that extra check for relatively low cost; just extra peace of mind,” he said. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, ZoomAgri, Buenos Aires, Argentina (info@zoomagri.com; www.zoomagri.com).

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