May 19, 2025
•
10 min
read
How Digital Tools Have Transformed Plant Breeding
Software and IT tools now support every phase of breeding—from planning and experimental design to data collection, analysis, and decision-making. By replacing paper records with centralized digital platforms, breeders can better track crosses, compare results across years and locations, and collaborate more effectively across global teams. These technologies not only improve efficiency and accuracy, but also empower researchers to fully harness genetic and environmental data.
Since the 1980s, global crop yields have drastically increased, thanks to the advances in crop innovation, even in the face of climate change. These improvements have significantly enhanced crop resilience, productivity, and nutritional value, ensuring food security for millions worldwide. The development of drought- and pest-resistant varieties has been particularly impactful, contributing to more sustainable farming systems.
“Plant Breeding is responsible for about 50% of crop productivity increase over the last century, while the remainder of the yield increase comes from better crop management (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, weeding).” GIPB of the FAO, Plant Breeding Impacts and Current Challenges
Key Milestones in Digital Plant Breeding:
Before 2000, plant breeders recorded their crosses in heavy notebooks. Today, even small field tests are conducted using apps.
Computers have reshaped crop science —securing data, boosting collaboration, and accelerating innovation. As agricultural research grows in complexity, so does the need for advanced digital tools.
A Legacy of Innovation: Doriane's Digital Journey
Since 1984, Doriane has embraced cutting-edge technologies. From field maps to AI predictions, its software evolves to meet technological, human, and agricultural challenges.
Over the years, Doriane’s plant breeding software has closely followed the evolving needs of the seed market—from stricter regulations to increasing data complexity and growing demands for speed and precision in variety development. Agroex, Labkey, RnDExperience, Bloomeo—every every fifteen years, a new generation of Doriane software has harnessed the latest digital advances, including mobile access, centralized databases, and AI-powered decision-making. Each new functionality is co-designed with our users, tailored to their real-world challenges.
Join us as we explore key moments in the digital transformation of plant breeding, and how Doriane has supported the seed industry—and more recently, agro-ecology—along the way.
Personal Computers begin managing field maps
The introduction of field mapping and statistical tools in the 1980s signaled the birth of digital plant breeding. One of the pioneering tools was the Microcomputer Statistical Package (MSTAT), developed between 1983 and 1985 with a budget of $265k—equivalent to around $0.7 million today.. It allowed researchers to generate experimental designs, transform and manage data, and perform biological and economic analyses.
Just three years before Microsoft Excel’s release, Doriane’s story began. In 1985, Fred and Florence Royer purchased an Olivetti M24 computer. They created AgroEx™, the world’s first software to centralize agronomic data and trial statistics. They rolled it out across France—notably to Unisigma, Secobra, and Tereos.
“Claude Hutin from INRA believed in me and introduced me to computers. I found my confidence and didn't hesitate to set up my own business.” -- Fred Royer, co-founder
Driving innovation in seed companies
Cereal and sugar beet seed companies have been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging Doriane's software to maximize their germplasm's potential. Companies like Unisigma, which develop cereal and protein pea varieties, used Doriane's software to analyze 50,000 micro-plots. Their team noted in 1992: "In terms of time efficiency, data access, and simultaneous table viewing, the program is very efficient."
Fun Fact: The very first generation of French plant breeding software didn’t even have a database—information was stored on perforated cards called punch cards. Think of them as the ancestors of floppy disks. (And yes, you know what a floppy disk is, right?)
With digital plant breeding gaining ground, the 1990s saw rapid progress in data mobility. Researchers used handheld devices and laptops to input field data directly, enabling real-time analysis and reducing errors. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) also began to support spatial analysis, further empowering plant breeders.
Innovation Recognized
In 1990, Doriane launched AgroSel™, the world’s first plant breeding software suite. It also included:
This breakthrough earned the Innovation in Computer Science Award at the International Agriculture Congress SIA 1991.
Agri-Obtentions: Digital Trailblazers
Agri-Obtentions, a French seed company focused on sustainable innovation, has worked with Doriane since 1987. Early adopters of Doriane’s mobile app, they could retrieve sample weight, moisture, and protein data via connected instruments.
"We can instantly record data, compare results, and exchange information constantly. It’s impossible to do without this software!"—Jérôme Auzanneau, Director of R&D
As competition intensified, crop innovation became a team effort. Departments began sharing centralized databases with collaborative plant breeding software. Digital tools enabled:
In 2002, Doriane released its second-generation Windows-based software. Jean-Marc Bernard, Statistician at Doriane, explained: "We adapted statistical principles to field trial realities and leveraged the performance boost from new technologies."
Clients expanded globally: GoldSmith Seeds and Dow (USA), Sollio Agriculture (Canada), Royal Van Zanten (Netherlands), RAGT, Mas Seeds, and Gautier Semences (France).
"Excel macros didn’t always work. It was hard to find key info and our previous software could not centralize all data types. RnDExperience includes all the tools we need, and keeps everything in one place. We always know task progress and can react quickly." —Roxanne Henrie, Research Professional, Sollio Agriculture
"At the end of harvest, analysis in Doriane software helped us see the efficiency gains over our old tools."—Alexandre Mailloux, Former Research Director, Sollio Agriculture
The 2010s marked a major leap toward data-driven breeding. Researchers began applying new genomic techniques such as doubled haploids, CRISPR, GMOs, and phenomics to identify superior cultivars. These advances required powerful software and strict data integrity.
Doriane, now a team of 15, expanded its reach to four continents. By 2013, the software was in use at 14 sites across six countries, by 70 research teams. Achieving ISO 9001 certification in 2010 was a key milestone, recognizing Doriane's commitment to quality. Installations in Asia followed, including DBN Biotechnology Center in China, Bio-T, and JSNH.
RAGT: Leading by Innovation
European seed leader RAGT embraced Doriane's software to manage breeding data for hybrids, forages, and self-pollinating species. They rolled out the software progressively, covering breeding, trials (multi-location and multi-year), quality labs, and molecular analysis.
"We chose RnDExp™ in 2008 to stay at the forefront of breeding and testing—collecting, controlling, and reporting."—Thierry Bouhet, former IT Manager
"The team quickly adopted the new system, ensuring all data were securely stored, well organized, and compatible with our custom setup."—Eric Carrara, Scientific Consultant
"Doriane is part of our successes!"—Sébastien Chatre, Head of R&D, RAGT
As digitization became the standard, research teams focused on making the most of their growing datasets. They wanted to connect trials across seasons and locations, optimize teamwork, and support business decision-making. Marketing teams also needed access to performance data over time. This led to the emergence of decision-support tools, powered by high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping. These tools revealed correlations between genetic and phenotypic traits, driving smarter breeding strategies and greater food system resilience. Molecular breeding tools like Progeno now enable complex simulations, giving researchers confidence in their strategic planning.
Visualizing Data at Scale
In 2021, Doriane introduced Viz™, a web-based dashboard connected to the central R&D database. It empowers users to explore data visually, compare treatments, and make faster, more informed decisions.
The data collection app RnDExp™ Mobile has also been revamped, incorporating user feedback to simplify fieldwork and improve usability. By 2022, over 1,000 users had adopted the app.
Arguably the most impactful innovation of the decade, cloud hosting has enabled customers in a hurry to get started within just a few weeks. With SaaS agronomy software in the cloud (Software as a Service), there’s no need for complex installation or infrastructure—new users simply log in through a web browser. This flexibility means faster onboarding, easier updates, and instant access to the latest features. All it takes is an internet connection.
In 2022, Marine and Louis Gauthier took the helm at Doriane, reinforcing its expertise by bringing in new talent in data science, agronomy, cybersecurity, and business development.
"We aim to infuse Doriane's expertise with a fresh wave of innovation to tackle future agricultural challenges."—Louis Gauthier, Co-owner and Managing Director
The fourth-generation platform, Bloomeo, marks a major evolution. Cloud-based and mobile-friendly, this SaaS solution integrates AI and environmental data for smarter, faster research.
The Four Editions of Bloomeo
In parallel, Doriane achieved ISO 27001 certification, underscoring its commitment to data security and infrastructure reliability.
Doriane's solutions support every stage of agricultural R&D:
As Doriane celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company remains committed to innovation, agility, and partnership. The next decade will bring new opportunities in AI, data analytics, and environmental intelligence. Doriane will continue to empower agricultural researchers with the tools they need to build a more sustainable future.
This milestone is more than a celebration of technology—it's a tribute to the trust and loyalty of our customers. For four decades, your confidence has fueled our ambition and kept us moving forward. We're proud to keep pace with your evolving needs, and our greatest value remains unchanged: your satisfaction. Thank you for being part of the journey 💚.
Romain Royer
Marketing Manager
Did you find this article useful? Share it!
May 19, 2025
•
10 min
read
How Digital Tools Have Transformed Plant Breeding
Software and IT tools now support every phase of breeding—from planning and experimental design to data collection, analysis, and decision-making. By replacing paper records with centralized digital platforms, breeders can better track crosses, compare results across years and locations, and collaborate more effectively across global teams. These technologies not only improve efficiency and accuracy, but also empower researchers to fully harness genetic and environmental data.
Since the 1980s, global crop yields have drastically increased, thanks to the advances in crop innovation, even in the face of climate change. These improvements have significantly enhanced crop resilience, productivity, and nutritional value, ensuring food security for millions worldwide. The development of drought- and pest-resistant varieties has been particularly impactful, contributing to more sustainable farming systems.
“Plant Breeding is responsible for about 50% of crop productivity increase over the last century, while the remainder of the yield increase comes from better crop management (e.g., fertilization, irrigation, weeding).” GIPB of the FAO, Plant Breeding Impacts and Current Challenges
Key Milestones in Digital Plant Breeding:
Before 2000, plant breeders recorded their crosses in heavy notebooks. Today, even small field tests are conducted using apps.
Computers have reshaped crop science —securing data, boosting collaboration, and accelerating innovation. As agricultural research grows in complexity, so does the need for advanced digital tools.
A Legacy of Innovation: Doriane's Digital Journey
Since 1984, Doriane has embraced cutting-edge technologies. From field maps to AI predictions, its software evolves to meet technological, human, and agricultural challenges.
Over the years, Doriane’s plant breeding software has closely followed the evolving needs of the seed market—from stricter regulations to increasing data complexity and growing demands for speed and precision in variety development. Agroex, Labkey, RnDExperience, Bloomeo—every every fifteen years, a new generation of Doriane software has harnessed the latest digital advances, including mobile access, centralized databases, and AI-powered decision-making. Each new functionality is co-designed with our users, tailored to their real-world challenges.
Join us as we explore key moments in the digital transformation of plant breeding, and how Doriane has supported the seed industry—and more recently, agro-ecology—along the way.
Personal Computers begin managing field maps
The introduction of field mapping and statistical tools in the 1980s signaled the birth of digital plant breeding. One of the pioneering tools was the Microcomputer Statistical Package (MSTAT), developed between 1983 and 1985 with a budget of $265k—equivalent to around $0.7 million today.. It allowed researchers to generate experimental designs, transform and manage data, and perform biological and economic analyses.
Just three years before Microsoft Excel’s release, Doriane’s story began. In 1985, Fred and Florence Royer purchased an Olivetti M24 computer. They created AgroEx™, the world’s first software to centralize agronomic data and trial statistics. They rolled it out across France—notably to Unisigma, Secobra, and Tereos.
“Claude Hutin from INRA believed in me and introduced me to computers. I found my confidence and didn't hesitate to set up my own business.” -- Fred Royer, co-founder
Driving innovation in seed companies
Cereal and sugar beet seed companies have been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging Doriane's software to maximize their germplasm's potential. Companies like Unisigma, which develop cereal and protein pea varieties, used Doriane's software to analyze 50,000 micro-plots. Their team noted in 1992: "In terms of time efficiency, data access, and simultaneous table viewing, the program is very efficient."
Fun Fact: The very first generation of French plant breeding software didn’t even have a database—information was stored on perforated cards called punch cards. Think of them as the ancestors of floppy disks. (And yes, you know what a floppy disk is, right?)
With digital plant breeding gaining ground, the 1990s saw rapid progress in data mobility. Researchers used handheld devices and laptops to input field data directly, enabling real-time analysis and reducing errors. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) also began to support spatial analysis, further empowering plant breeders.
Innovation Recognized
In 1990, Doriane launched AgroSel™, the world’s first plant breeding software suite. It also included:
This breakthrough earned the Innovation in Computer Science Award at the International Agriculture Congress SIA 1991.
Agri-Obtentions: Digital Trailblazers
Agri-Obtentions, a French seed company focused on sustainable innovation, has worked with Doriane since 1987. Early adopters of Doriane’s mobile app, they could retrieve sample weight, moisture, and protein data via connected instruments.
"We can instantly record data, compare results, and exchange information constantly. It’s impossible to do without this software!"—Jérôme Auzanneau, Director of R&D
As competition intensified, crop innovation became a team effort. Departments began sharing centralized databases with collaborative plant breeding software. Digital tools enabled:
In 2002, Doriane released its second-generation Windows-based software. Jean-Marc Bernard, Statistician at Doriane, explained: "We adapted statistical principles to field trial realities and leveraged the performance boost from new technologies."
Clients expanded globally: GoldSmith Seeds and Dow (USA), Sollio Agriculture (Canada), Royal Van Zanten (Netherlands), RAGT, Mas Seeds, and Gautier Semences (France).
"Excel macros didn’t always work. It was hard to find key info and our previous software could not centralize all data types. RnDExperience includes all the tools we need, and keeps everything in one place. We always know task progress and can react quickly." —Roxanne Henrie, Research Professional, Sollio Agriculture
"At the end of harvest, analysis in Doriane software helped us see the efficiency gains over our old tools."—Alexandre Mailloux, Former Research Director, Sollio Agriculture
The 2010s marked a major leap toward data-driven breeding. Researchers began applying new genomic techniques such as doubled haploids, CRISPR, GMOs, and phenomics to identify superior cultivars. These advances required powerful software and strict data integrity.
Doriane, now a team of 15, expanded its reach to four continents. By 2013, the software was in use at 14 sites across six countries, by 70 research teams. Achieving ISO 9001 certification in 2010 was a key milestone, recognizing Doriane's commitment to quality. Installations in Asia followed, including DBN Biotechnology Center in China, Bio-T, and JSNH.
RAGT: Leading by Innovation
European seed leader RAGT embraced Doriane's software to manage breeding data for hybrids, forages, and self-pollinating species. They rolled out the software progressively, covering breeding, trials (multi-location and multi-year), quality labs, and molecular analysis.
"We chose RnDExp™ in 2008 to stay at the forefront of breeding and testing—collecting, controlling, and reporting."—Thierry Bouhet, former IT Manager
"The team quickly adopted the new system, ensuring all data were securely stored, well organized, and compatible with our custom setup."—Eric Carrara, Scientific Consultant
"Doriane is part of our successes!"—Sébastien Chatre, Head of R&D, RAGT
As digitization became the standard, research teams focused on making the most of their growing datasets. They wanted to connect trials across seasons and locations, optimize teamwork, and support business decision-making. Marketing teams also needed access to performance data over time. This led to the emergence of decision-support tools, powered by high-throughput genotyping and phenotyping. These tools revealed correlations between genetic and phenotypic traits, driving smarter breeding strategies and greater food system resilience. Molecular breeding tools like Progeno now enable complex simulations, giving researchers confidence in their strategic planning.
Visualizing Data at Scale
In 2021, Doriane introduced Viz™, a web-based dashboard connected to the central R&D database. It empowers users to explore data visually, compare treatments, and make faster, more informed decisions.
The data collection app RnDExp™ Mobile has also been revamped, incorporating user feedback to simplify fieldwork and improve usability. By 2022, over 1,000 users had adopted the app.
Arguably the most impactful innovation of the decade, cloud hosting has enabled customers in a hurry to get started within just a few weeks. With SaaS agronomy software in the cloud (Software as a Service), there’s no need for complex installation or infrastructure—new users simply log in through a web browser. This flexibility means faster onboarding, easier updates, and instant access to the latest features. All it takes is an internet connection.
In 2022, Marine and Louis Gauthier took the helm at Doriane, reinforcing its expertise by bringing in new talent in data science, agronomy, cybersecurity, and business development.
"We aim to infuse Doriane's expertise with a fresh wave of innovation to tackle future agricultural challenges."—Louis Gauthier, Co-owner and Managing Director
The fourth-generation platform, Bloomeo, marks a major evolution. Cloud-based and mobile-friendly, this SaaS solution integrates AI and environmental data for smarter, faster research.
The Four Editions of Bloomeo
In parallel, Doriane achieved ISO 27001 certification, underscoring its commitment to data security and infrastructure reliability.
Doriane's solutions support every stage of agricultural R&D:
As Doriane celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company remains committed to innovation, agility, and partnership. The next decade will bring new opportunities in AI, data analytics, and environmental intelligence. Doriane will continue to empower agricultural researchers with the tools they need to build a more sustainable future.
This milestone is more than a celebration of technology—it's a tribute to the trust and loyalty of our customers. For four decades, your confidence has fueled our ambition and kept us moving forward. We're proud to keep pace with your evolving needs, and our greatest value remains unchanged: your satisfaction. Thank you for being part of the journey 💚.
Romain Royer
Marketing Manager
Did you find this article useful? Share it!
