A primer on artificial intelligence in plant digital phenomics: embarking on the data to insights journey.

Journal: Trends in plant science
PMID:

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a fundamental component of global agricultural research that is poised to impact on many aspects of plant science. In digital phenomics, AI is capable of learning intricate structure and patterns in large datasets. We provide a perspective and primer on AI applications to phenome research. We propose a novel human-centric explainable AI (X-AI) system architecture consisting of data architecture, technology infrastructure, and AI architecture design. We clarify the difference between post hoc models and 'interpretable by design' models. We include guidance for effectively using an interpretable by design model in phenomic analysis. We also provide directions to sources of tools and resources for making data analytics increasingly accessible. This primer is accompanied by an interactive online tutorial.

Authors

  • Antoine L Harfouche
    Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, VT 01100, Italy. Electronic address: aharfouche@unitus.it.
  • Farid Nakhle
    Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food, and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, VT 01100, Italy.
  • Antoine H Harfouche
    Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences Économiques, Gestion, Mathématiques, et Informatique, Université Paris Nanterre, 92001 Nanterre, France.
  • Orlando G Sardella
    Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food, and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, VT 01100, Italy.
  • Eli Dart
    Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
  • Daniel Jacobson
    DOE Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN37831, United States; Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-3394, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States. Electronic address: jacobsonda@ornl.gov.