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Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries worldwide—and now it’s making strides in grain assessment.

Researchers at the Canadian Grain Commission have evaluated an AI-powered system developed by ZoomAgri that uses computer image recognition to identify barley varieties. Their findings show that the technology delivers results comparable to traditional DNA-based testing methods.

Varietal purity is a key factor in the barley supply chain. Maltsters and buyers typically require a minimum of 95 per cent purity to maintain product quality and avoid financial penalties. To support this, the Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory currently uses DNA-based testing to identify barley varieties, with the ability to distinguish among 124 different types.

The ZoomAgri system, however, takes a different approach. It analyzes digitized images of barley kernels and compares them to a database of verified samples. This method offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to DNA testing.

To evaluate its effectiveness, researchers analyzed 71 samples representing six commonly grown Canadian malting barley varieties and one general-purpose variety: AC Metcalfe, CDC Copeland, AAC Synergy, AAC Connect, CDC Fraser, CDC Churchill and CDC Austenson.

Each sample was scanned using the ZoomAgri system, with between 250 and 350 kernels analyzed per sample. From these, 108 kernels were selected for DNA testing to provide a direct comparison.

The results showed strong agreement between the two methods. Differences in varietal purity estimates were within a range of plus or minus five per cent, and repeat testing demonstrated a high level of precision.

While DNA-based testing remains the gold standard due to its molecular accuracy and ability to identify a broader range of varieties, the study highlights the potential of AI as a practical tool for routine analysis.

With its faster turnaround time and lower cost, the ZoomAgri system could offer significant benefits for quality control in the malting and brewing industries.

More information on the study is available through the Canadian Grain Commission at www.grainscanada.gc.ca/en/grain-research/scientific-reports/methods-assessment-varietal-purity-barley.html.

Information for this article was sourced from the Grain Canada website.