The Virtual Plant Breeder

The Virtual Plant Breeder (Virtuele Veredelaar) is an innovative digital tool that uses smartphone videos to convert plants into detailed 3D models. Specialists, such as plant breeders, propagators and growers, can use this to assess plants remotely, without having to be physically present. The research project aims to make plant assessments faster, more objective, consistent and scalable.

Target group

Plant breeders, propagators and growers

Research

The project consists of several phases: drawing up requirements, the technical development of the 3D models, developing algorithms for recognising plant characteristics, executing field trials at Deliflor, and the dissemination of knowledge within the sector and in education. The development of protocols, manuals and training materials makes it possible to easily apply the technology in the field. Ultimately, the technology is tested and validated at Deliflor for the quality control of chrysanthemums and cuttings.

Intended outcomes

More efficient breeding, fewer travel movements, better monitoring of plant development, and higher quality of plant selection. In addition, the project contributes to the digitalisation, sustainability, and modernisation of the agricultural sector and the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS, Agrarisch Kennis- en Innovatiesysteem).

Duration

January 2026 – July 2027

Team

Smart Sensor Systems Research Group:

• Sam Aerts, project lead
• Yoes Ywema, data scientist
• Amey Vasulkar, data scientist
• Daan Boesten, junior researcher

Partners

AgriData Innovations (lead author), Inholland University of Applied Sciences, and Deliflor Chrysanten

Funding

RVO’s ‘Collaborating on Innovation’ (EIP) grant 

Involved higher professional education (hbo) degree programmes

Applied Data Science & AI, Innovative Data Visualisation Minor

Read more

• Article: 
• Find out more about the Smart Sensor Systems research group  
• Find out more about the Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance