How does AI compare to DNA-based methods for identifying barley varieties?

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is rapidly increasing in many areas, including the assessment of grains. At the Canadian Grain Commission, we recently evaluated an AI application developed by ZoomAgri that uses computer image recognition to identify different varieties of barley. We compared the results generated by this AI technology with DNA-based tests and found, that for the seven varieties of barley tested, the methods were similar in accuracy and reliability.

Varietal purity is a critical quality parameter in the barley supply chain, with maltsters and buyers typically requiring a minimum of 95% purity to ensure product quality and avoid financial penalties. Our Grain Research Laboratory uses DNA-based methods to determine varietal purity in barley as a fee-based service and in research. We have developed tests that allow us to identify 124 different barley varieties based on their DNA.

The ZoomAgri technology identifies barley varieties by comparing digitized images of barley samples with its database of verified images. Compared with DNA-based methods, this process takes less time and is more cost effective.

Recognizing the potential of this AI innovation to increase efficiencies, our Grain Research Laboratory compared the results of ZoomAgri and DNA-based methods using 71 samples representing six commonly grown Canadian malting barley varieties and one general purpose variety. These included:

• AC Metcalfe
• CDC Copeland
• AAC Synergy
• AAC Connect
• CDC Fraser
• CDC Churchill
• CDC Austenson

Approximately 250 to 350 individual barley kernels were sub-sampled from each sample and scanned with the ZoomAgri machine. From these kernels, 108 were selected for DNA extraction and analysis.

Statistical analyses of the results showed a strong agreement between ZoomAgri technology and DNA-based genotyping for the identification of barley varieties. The differences in varietal purity estimates fell within a ±5% range. Repeatability tests demonstrated high precision across replicates, reinforcing the reliability of ZoomAgri's technology for the assessment of barley varieties.

DNA-based methods remain the gold standard for varietal identification due to their molecular precision and ability to identify a large number of varieties. ZoomAgri does offer, however, a rapid and economical option for routine purity assessments of barley. Its ability to deliver near-equivalent results with significantly reduced processing times and costs makes it particularly valuable for quality control in the malting and brewing industries.

More details about our study are available on our website: Comparative analysis of ZoomAgri and DNA-based methods for the assessment of varietal purity in barley.

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“Our study demonstrated that the image-based ZoomAgri technology provided a reliable and accurate assessment of varietal purity for six commonly grown malting barley varieties.”