Computomics: Discussions On Innovations To Drive Advanced Agriculture Solutions

In this Computomics Podcast episode, we launch the new “Make Sense of Science” explainer series, a format designed to break down complex scientific and technical topics into clear, accessible conversations. In this first episode, Computomics machine learning scientist Alaukik Saxena introduces deep learning for genomic prediction in plant breeding. He explains how breeders use DNA marker data, fie...

In this episode of the Computomics podcast, Dr. Rex Bernardo discusses the evolution of predictive plant breeding, from early molecular markers to today’s machine learning and AI approaches. He explains how these tools can support not only trait prediction, but also more complex breeding decisions, such as whether a line is likely to be selected or become a successful variety. The conversation als...

In this episode, Darryn Keiller, Futurist, Entrepreneur, and founder of WayBeyond, discusses how digital agronomy helps growers make better decisions with data. He explains how farms can combine sensor, environmental, plant-response, and satellite data to improve daily decisions, predict risks, and raise yield and fruit quality. The conversation also covers the challenges of introducing new techno...

Chris Kubica, Technical Account Manager at Computomics, discusses the importance of pangenomes for modern plant breeding. He explains that traditional genomics relies on a single reference genome, which cannot capture the full genetic diversity of a species. This is a big problem in complex plant genomes, where major parts of breeding-line diversity can be absent from the standard reference. A pan...

This episode of the Computomics Podcast features Vanessa Prigge, potato breeder and R[&]D project manager at Saka Pflanzenzucht (Solana Group). She discusses her international research background, the unique challenges of potato breeding - such as vegetative propagation, complex genetics, and long breeding cycles - and the need for compromise-driven selection. Vanessa highlights two major proj...

In this episode of the Computomics podcast, Vonnie Estes, VP of Innovation at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), shares insights on the challenges the produce industry faces, particularly around climate change, pest management, and cold chain logistics. She discusses the importance of AI and machine learning in enhancing supply chain efficiency and food safety. Vonnie also highlig...

In this episode of the Computomics podcast, Pernille Ollendorff Hede, CEO and co-founder of Healthycrop, discusses the company's innovative approach to fungal-resistant crops. Healthycrop boosts the production of Nepenthesin, a naturally occurring enzyme in plants, to degrade fungal enzymes, preventing fungal growth without the need for fungicides. Using cis-genesis and gene editing techniques...

In this episode of the Computomics podcast, bioinformatics analyst Michelle Hagen describes how her work bridges biology and data science. As a data analyst in bioinformatics and plant breeding, Michelle transforms raw genetic and environmental data into insights that guide breeding decisions. She particularly enjoys the teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity involved in her job. Michelle works...

Glendon Ascough, Research Director at Starke Ayres, discusses the evolution of the company from a historic seed merchant to Africa’s largest independent vegetable breeding company. He shares his personal journey into plant science, driven by a fascination with genetics, and highlights the company’s focus on breeding disease-resistant vegetable varieties tailored to local and international markets....

This episode features Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a Hopi dryland farmer from Arizona’s Colorado Plateau. He shares how his community has grown crops for 3,000 years on just 6-10 inches of annual rain without irrigation. Using deep planting, wide spacing, clumped seeds, and reading native vegetation, Indigenous farming conserves moisture and maintains biodiversity. It yields nutrient-rich crops wi...

In this Computomics podcast episode, Computomics Chief Commercial Officer Juan Manuel Montes shares insights into his passion for learning and his recent experience at the International Seed Federation conference in Istanbul. He discusses industry challenges like climate change and consumer demands, highlighting how Computomics supports plant breeders with technologies like xSeedScore and Pantogra...

Our guest in this episode is Keren Moshelion, CEO and co-founder of Plant-Ditech. Karen shares insights into the company’s advanced plant phenotyping platform. The system simulates stress conditions like drought, salinity, and nutrient variability, measuring plant responses with high-resolution sensors up to 500 times a day. These real-time measurements help researchers rapidly assess plant produc...

Our guest in this episode is Kinneret Shefer, co-founder and CEO of AgTech startup GeneNeer. Kinneret shares the founding of GeneNeer, driven by her shift from pure RNA research to market-driven innovation. GeneNeer aims to revolutionize crop breeding by drastically shortening trait development time using fast, tissue culture-based gene editing platforms. Kinneret compares her vision for GeneNeer...

In this episode of our podcast Amrit Nanda, Executive Manager of Plants for the Future ETP, discusses the importance of plant breeding, public-private collaboration, and science-based policymaking in the EU. She highlights the platform’s mission to connect academia, industry, and policymakers, and to improve science communication through initiatives like “Plantastic Discoveries.” A recent study on...

Our new episode explores science communication with Tamara Worzewski, focusing on overcoming "plant blindness" and engaging the public with plant-related topics. Tamara highlights the importance of storytelling in making science accessible and building trust between scientists and the public. Topics range from Arctic ecosystems to public outreach strategies, emphasizing creative ways to...

In this episode, John McKay, Chief Scientific Officer at New West Genetics and professor at Colorado State University, discusses his research on local adaptation, genotype-by-environment interactions, and heterosis. His work spans crops like maize, rice, and hemp, applying evolutionary genetics to improve breeding strategies. John's projects aim to enhance crop efficiency and sustainability. More...

Our guest in this episode of the Computomics Podcast is Alain Tissier, Managing Director at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry. He discusses his research focusing on the molecular mechanisms in plants, particularly the interaction between primary and secondary metabolism and how plants produce chemical compounds for defense and communication. Alain talks about on his work in metabolic eng...

In this episode, Gabriele Berg, a renowned microbiome researcher, discusses her work on microbial communities and their impact on health and planetary ecosystems. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of microbiomes in plants, soil, and humans, and aims to enhance ecological and human health. The project  An Apple a Day  revealed the microbiome's role in apple health, highlighting microbial divers...

This episode is all about reducing the Nitrogen footprint of wheat. Wheat is the world’s largest ‘crop’ consumer of nitrogen-based fertilizer, while providing affordable calories to billions of resource-poor people and ca. 20% of globally consumed protein. Victor Kommerell is the CropSustaiN Mission Director of the BNI (Biological Nitrification Inhibition) wheat initiative launched by the Novo Nor...

This episode delves into the world of plant phenotyping. Kerstin Neumann shares her insights from managing a very diverse phenotyping infrastructure. Here, field-like growth is enabled under strictly controlled conditions, including setups to measure abiotic stresses. She explains how this enables the non-invasive tracking of plant growth and the involved genomic regions. The conversation also she...

This episode delves into the world of plant breeding with Professor Mark Cooper. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the importance of data-driven approaches, computational power, and strategic partnerships. The conversation also sheds light on the ongoing collaboration between Mark's research team and Computomics, focusing on leveraging advanced da...

In this episode Nadine Ziemert, professor for translational genome mining at the University of Tübingen, explores the urgent need for new antibiotics due to rising antibiotic resistance. Gain profound insights on how researchers are using bacterial genomes to predict and discover novel antibiotics. Discover the potential of leveraging machine learning to develop innovative approaches in antibiotic...

In this episode, Matthias Krön, delves into the inception of Donau Soja, its mission, and its pivotal role in European soy production. Discover the intricacies of protein production and consumption in Europe, and the potential for transitioning from imported soy to European soy to substantially reduce CO2 emissions. Gain insights into how our agricultural system has inadvertently fostered a cultur...

In this episode, Garlich van Essen, Secretary General at Euroseeds discusses the brand new regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGT). Discover the intricacies of the NGT regulatory framework, from its impact on plant breeding to the distinctions between NGT and GMO. Uncover the power of lobbying and understand how Euroseeds acts as the eyes and ears of the European Seed sector. Get insights on th...

In this episode with Kai Voss-Fels we dive into the complex world of grapevine breeding. Discover the unique challenges of breeding grafted crops. Enhancing genetic gain becomes multifaceted due to the fact that grapevines consist of two genetically distinct parts, the scion (upper) and rootstock (lower). Our discussion centers on addressing challenges such as water limitation, and drought stress...