A review of AI-driven phenomics, genomics, and predictive breeding in wheat

Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop that feeds billions of people worldwide, but increasing pressure from climate change, pests, diseases, and growing food demands is making its improvement more urgent than ever. Traditional breeding methods, though valuable, often fall short in meeting these complex challenges quickly and efficiently. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), has emerged as a powerful tool that is reshaping wheat breeding. While AI, and specifically ML approaches have advanced substantially in crop improvement, their application in wheat breeding remains fragmented, with limited integration across phenotyping, genotyping, and multi-omics layers, and insufficient attention to model interpretability and deployment in resource-constrained breeding programs. This review critically synthesizes recent ML-based approaches applied throughout modern wheat improvement, from large-scale phenotypic and genotypic data analysis to trait prediction and multi-omics integration. We highlight how these methods are being used to enhance genetic gain for resistance to biotic stress (e.g., disease and pests) and abiotic stress (e.g., heat and drought), while identifying key methodological and infrastructural barriers that currently limit their broader adoption. The role of big data, effective data management, and the difficulties in handling complex datasets are also discussed. Despite their promise, challenges remain, such as the need for better model transparency, access to computing resources in developing regions, and ensuring that these technologies are equitably accessible. Further, the review briefly discusses emerging directions, including deep learning (DL)-based frameworks, explainable AI (XAI), and their potential integration with genome editing, and digital twin concepts, as future opportunities to further enhance wheat breeding efficiency. Finally, we emphasize the importance of collaboration and open-access platforms to ensure these innovations benefit researchers and farmers alike. Together, these advancements mark a significant shift toward faster, smarter, and more sustainable wheat improvement for the future.