Beck’s Hybrids accelerates predictive breeding with high-throughput phenotyping

Beck’s Hybrids needed a faster, more accurate way to measure key plant traits across thousands of corn plots. Traditionally, phenotyping was done manually by laborers, interns, and seasonal staff walking the fields—an approach limited by time, labor availability, and inconsistent data quality. An initial upgrade using chest-mounted GoPros offered modest improvements but lacked precision and scalability. The research team was seeking a better solution to document traits like plant height, tassel structure, and leaf architecture—critical data needed to inform and accelerate their breeding program. They needed a platform that could capture these traits reliably, repeatedly, and across more locations without increasing labor.

Beck’s Hybrids deployed a custom-configured Amiga Phenotyping Bundle to meet the specific demands of corn phenotyping at scale. The unit features an over-the-row frame built to straddle 30-inch corn spacing and extend 11 feet tall—allowing it to pass cleanly over mature plants. It’s outfitted with four Oak-D stereo cameras, positioned both above and below the canopy to capture detailed tassel, ear, disease, and plant structure traits simultaneously.
The Amiga Intelligence Kit enabled onboard computing, GPS-based localization, and the ability to run computer vision models directly in the field. Its modular design allowed for easy configuration to accommodate different plot sizes and research needs. With this setup, Beck’s can gather high-resolution data with speed, precision, and repeatability—supporting predictive modeling and data-driven hybrid development.