Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review

This review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and its subset, deep learning (DL), in advancing the genetic improvement of Solanaceous crops. AI has emerged as a powerful solution to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding techniques,...

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Main Authors: Maria Gerakari, Anastasios Katsileros, Konstantina Kleftogianni, Eleni Tani, Penelope J. Bebeli, Vasileios Papasotiropoulos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Agronomy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/3/757
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author Maria Gerakari
Anastasios Katsileros
Konstantina Kleftogianni
Eleni Tani
Penelope J. Bebeli
Vasileios Papasotiropoulos
author_facet Maria Gerakari
Anastasios Katsileros
Konstantina Kleftogianni
Eleni Tani
Penelope J. Bebeli
Vasileios Papasotiropoulos
author_sort Maria Gerakari
collection DOAJ
description This review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and its subset, deep learning (DL), in advancing the genetic improvement of Solanaceous crops. AI has emerged as a powerful solution to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding techniques, which often involve time-consuming, resource-intensive processes with limited predictive accuracy. Through advanced algorithms and predictive models, ML and DL facilitate the identification and optimization of key traits, including higher yield, improved quality, pest resistance, and tolerance to extreme climatic conditions. By integrating big data analytics and omics, these methods enhance genomic selection (GS), support gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, and accelerate crop breeding, thus enabling the development of resilient and adaptable crops. This review highlights the role of ML and DL in improving Solanaceae crops, such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and pepper, with the aim of developing novel varieties with superior agronomic and quality traits. Additionally, this study examines the advantages and limitations of AI-driven breeding compared to traditional methods in Solanaceae, emphasizing its contribution to agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2073-4395
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publishDate 2025-03-01
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series Agronomy
spelling doaj-art-21aea5334ea043be91e6326fbaaac6f02025-08-20T03:43:50ZengMDPI AGAgronomy2073-43952025-03-0115375710.3390/agronomy15030757Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical ReviewMaria Gerakari0Anastasios Katsileros1Konstantina Kleftogianni2Eleni Tani3Penelope J. Bebeli4Vasileios Papasotiropoulos5Laboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceLaboratory of Plant Breeding & Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, GreeceThis review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and its subset, deep learning (DL), in advancing the genetic improvement of Solanaceous crops. AI has emerged as a powerful solution to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding techniques, which often involve time-consuming, resource-intensive processes with limited predictive accuracy. Through advanced algorithms and predictive models, ML and DL facilitate the identification and optimization of key traits, including higher yield, improved quality, pest resistance, and tolerance to extreme climatic conditions. By integrating big data analytics and omics, these methods enhance genomic selection (GS), support gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, and accelerate crop breeding, thus enabling the development of resilient and adaptable crops. This review highlights the role of ML and DL in improving Solanaceae crops, such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and pepper, with the aim of developing novel varieties with superior agronomic and quality traits. Additionally, this study examines the advantages and limitations of AI-driven breeding compared to traditional methods in Solanaceae, emphasizing its contribution to agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/3/757artificial intelligencemachine learningbig datadeep learningplant breedingSolanaceae
spellingShingle Maria Gerakari
Anastasios Katsileros
Konstantina Kleftogianni
Eleni Tani
Penelope J. Bebeli
Vasileios Papasotiropoulos
Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
Agronomy
artificial intelligence
machine learning
big data
deep learning
plant breeding
Solanaceae
title Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
title_full Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
title_fullStr Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
title_full_unstemmed Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
title_short Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review
title_sort breeding of solanaceous crops using ai machine learning and deep learning approaches a critical review
topic artificial intelligence
machine learning
big data
deep learning
plant breeding
Solanaceae
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/3/757
work_keys_str_mv AT mariagerakari breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview
AT anastasioskatsileros breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview
AT konstantinakleftogianni breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview
AT elenitani breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview
AT penelopejbebeli breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview
AT vasileiospapasotiropoulos breedingofsolanaceouscropsusingaimachinelearninganddeeplearningapproachesacriticalreview