- The breeding-scale scenario pictures a single plant growing from a lump of brown soil, its five leaves a healthy green. Then there’s an arrow pointing to an identical plant, but this one is an electric blue with highlights showing digital networks. In between is a robotic arm poised to examine a plant.
- The production-scale scenario pictures neat rows of green plants on a striped, brown field. The corresponding digital twin is all in shades of blue. In between flies a drone sending data between the real field and the digital one.
- Scientists will gain insights into plant genetics and physiology while more efficiently breeding plants that can adapt to changing environments and emerging diseases and pests.
- Farmers will optimize planting decisions and applications of fertilizer, irrigation, and pesticides to maximize profit while minimizing environmental impacts.
- Governments will identify which crops and practices are best suited on regional and national scales, set policies, and undertake regional and national pest surveillance.
- Ag companies will create more effective precision management products and produce climate-resilient crop varieties.
- And rural entrepreneurs will be spurred by artificial intelligence-fueled innovations and economic development.