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Advancing Plant Genetics: What Academia and Industry Are Testing with AttoDNA
From climate-resilient cereals to precisely engineered hybrids, plant science is evolving faster than ever—and the data tells the story. AttoDNA has provided services to academic researchers, seed developers, biotech firms, and agronomists to deliver fast, reliable genetic testing across more than two dozen crop species. By analysing all plant genomics tests performed between 2022 and 2025, we’ve uncovered the trends shaping the future of agriculture—and how timely, high-quality DNA insights are empowering our clients to innovate with confidence and speed.
What Are Scientists and Breeders Testing?
The chart below captures the number of tests run per species, year by year, offering a real-world view into where plant genomics is being applied—and where it’s heading.
A few clear patterns emerge:
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Sorghum and Tobacco consistently top the list, serving as core species in trait validation, transformation studies, and regulatory applications. Their prominence reflects their dual role in both research and commercial pipelines.
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Soybean, Rice, and Sweetcorn show steady testing volumes across multiple years, tied to active breeding programs focused on yield optimisation, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.
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A diverse array of other species—including Arabidopsis and Medicago (as academic model organisms), as well as Potato, Banana, and Barley—illustrate the broadening scope of genomics in plant R&D. These span everything from basic gene function studies to climate-resilient crop development.
This expanding diversity signals a clear shift: genetic testing is no longer limited to a handful of major crops—it's now a foundational tool across the full spectrum of agricultural research and innovation. Whether optimising elite lines or exploring new species for future markets, genomics is driving faster, more precise outcomes at every step.
How AttoDNA Powers Modern Plant Science
Behind every successful trait development, transformation study, or seed release is reliable genetic insight. Researchers and breeders choose AttoDNA for precision assays, responsive turnaround, and tailored scientific support—whether they're validating a single line or screening hundreds. Our core services include:
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Copy Number & Zygosity (Copy/Zyg)
Our most in-demand assay, used to confirm gene insertions, quantify transgene copy number, and determine zygosity in edited or transgenic lines. It’s a foundational tool in both academic and commercial pipelines. -
Species Authentication
Essential for verifying seed purity, confirming sample identity, and ensuring compliance in regulated environments. Especially valuable for quality control in breeding, trade, and research contexts. -
CMS Marker & Trait Assays
Designed to support hybrid breeding programs, particularly in crops like maize and rice. These assays enable rapid screening for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and other key traits, streamlining parental selection.
All services are backed by our expert technical team, flexible sample-handling options, and scalable testing capacity. From a single postdoc-led project to a multinational R&D program, AttoDNA delivers data you can trust—on the timeline your research demands.
What We’ve Learned from 700+ DNA Tests
This multi-year view of plant DNA testing offers more than just numbers—it reflects a dynamic shift in how research and industry approach crop innovation:
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Academic institutions remain at the forefront of foundational discovery, exploring gene function, trait inheritance, and emerging breeding technologies. Their work sets the stage for broader application and standardisation across the field.
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Commercial players in agri-tech and biotechnology are rapidly translating these insights into deployable products, leveraging DNA testing to meet tight timelines, regulatory benchmarks, and performance targets in high-stakes markets.
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Precision genomics has moved from a specialised technique to a standard operating tool, essential for crop selection, transformation validation, and hybrid development—across both public research and commercial pipelines.
Together, these trends point to one conclusion: genetic testing is no longer an optional add-on—it’s a strategic necessity in modern plant science.
Power Your Project with Trusted Plant Genomics
AttoDNA delivers the speed, clarity, and reliability today’s plant science demands. Whether you're validating a single event, screening a new hybrid, or building a long-term genomics pipeline, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to discuss a project or simply explore options? Reach our scientific team at info@attodna.com or visit www.attodna.com to see how streamlined genomics can accelerate your goals.