Smart farming: AI predicts potato growth potential

A cutting-edge AI tool can now predict how well seed potatoes will grow into healthy potato plants. Developed by biologists from Utrecht University in collaboration with the Delft University of Technology and plant breeders, the tool uses DNA data from bacteria and fungi found on seed potatoes and drone images of potato fields. “This marks the beginning of a new era in farming, where microbiology and AI come together to enhance agriculture.”

Even though potato fields are filled with plants of the same variety, potato growth often varies widely. This puzzle has long intrigued farmers, biologists, and suppliers of seeds. Even genetically identical potato plants can differ significantly in size, yield, and resilience.

Scientists have suspected that bacteria and fungi on the surface of seed potatoes might play a key role in these differences. These microbes can either boost growth and resilience or hinder them.

Now, a research team led by biologist Roeland Berendsen has confirmed that microbes are indeed crucial for growth. Their findings, published as this month's cover article in the journal Nature Microbiology, reveal how these tiny organisms impact potato farming.

AI predicts potato growth

The team developed an AI model that can predict how well seed potatoes will grow. The model combines two types of data: genetic data from microbes living on the seed potatoes and drone images of potato plants that emerged from the seed potatoes. By analyzing these two data sources together, the AI model uncovers patterns that help identify which microbes lead to the healthiest potato growth.

A massive amount of data

The researchers gathered their data by taking thousands of seed potato samples from 240 test fields. They studied the bacteria and fungi on the seed potatoes and later captured drone footage of the resulting plants during the growing season.

By combining these data points using AI, we could pinpoint the microbes that are the best predicators of potato growth

“This created a massive amount of data,” says biologist Yang Song, one of the developers of the AI model, and first author of the paper. “By combining these data points using AI, we could pinpoint the microbes that are the best predicators of potato growth.”

Microbes with big impacts

The research shows that the mix of bacteria and fungi on seed potatoes has a major influence on growth. Some bacteria, including a Streptomyces species, were found to significantly boost growth. Others, however, had the opposite effect, slowing down plant development.

For the first time, we can predict the quality of seed potatoes based on their microbial makeup

“We’re at the start of a revolutionary way to improve agriculture through microbiology and AI,” said Berendsen. “For the first time, we can predict the quality of seed potatoes based on their microbial makeup.”

Deeper insights into microbes

This research opens the door to a deeper understanding of how microbes influence crop growth. “By expanding the AI model with even more data, we can zoom in further to study how microbes and crops interact,” Berendsen explained.

Boosting crops with the right microbes

In the future, scientists might identify the perfect mix of microbes for specific crops—not just potatoes. “We could coat seed potatoes or seeds with these beneficial microbes,” said Berendsen. “Or even engineer plants to attract and retain the ideal microbes.”

Less waste, fewer chemicals

The benefits of this breakthrough go beyond higher yields. Healthier and more resilient crops mean fewer failed harvests, reduced waste, and less need for chemical pesticides. This makes farming more sustainable while boosting productivity.