JERUSALEM, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have developed an AI method combining drone images with genetic analysis to identify wheat varieties that can thrive in hot and dry conditions, according to a statement issued by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) on Wednesday.
HU stated that the new method is faster and precise in identifying wheat strains that are better suited to withstand climate challenges, thereby helping secure future food supplies.
In a study published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, researchers from HU and the Volcani Institute in central Israel used drones equipped with advanced thermal and hyperspectral cameras.
These drones captured detailed images that captured heat emitted and light reflected from hundreds of wheat varieties growing in the field.
By analyzing these images, the researchers assessed key plant traits, including how effectively different wheat varieties regulate water through their leaves, leaf density, chlorophyll content, and overall leaf area.
Using machine learning, the team matched these traits to specific genes in the wheat genome, identifying 16 genetic markers linked to better growth under both normal and drought conditions.
According to the researchers, measuring a plant's ability to regulate water has traditionally been a slow process that requires manual effort. The new drone-based approach offers a faster, non-invasive method for identifying drought-tolerant wheat varieties, helping agriculture meet growing global food demands amid long-term environmental stresses. ■
