ISTANBUL

Chinese researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for plant studies, Xinhua News reported on Tuesday, citing China Science Daily.

PlantGPT is the first large language model AI assistant that can answer any related question with precise responses and deliver specialized analyses in the field of plant functional genomics, the report claimed.

Studies on the new tool were conducted by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, South China Agricultural University, and Tsinghua University and published in the journal Advanced Science.

As the demand for food security grows and the need to enhance crop quality intensifies, functional genomics has become essential for improving yields, nutritional content, pest resistance, and resilience to environmental stress.

The system fulfills three main roles: advancing public awareness of agriculture, guiding early-career researchers in plant genomics, and aiding experienced scientists in making strategic choices.

With its open-source architecture, ease of adaptation, and regular updates, PlantGPT boosts research productivity and facilitates knowledge sharing. It also sets the stage for the development of tailored AI tools in specialized fields.

This represents a significant advancement in integrating AI into plant functional genomics. Currently freely accessible online, PlantGPT is expected to expand into synthetic biology and include more crop species in the near future.