# ORNL reports AI-assisted phytomining analysis cuts plant-trait review to minutes

_Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT · AI, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![ORNL reports AI-assisted phytomining analysis cuts plant-trait review to minutes — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/harvesting-the-critica.jpg)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory reported that its OPAL agentic-AI system analyzed more than 1,000 physical plant traits in a nickel-absorption experiment in a few minutes, replacing hundreds of hours of manual analysis. The demonstration used 360 pennycress plants, automated imaging and more than 24,000 observations. Researchers said the system identified nickel-tolerant varieties, resilience traits and anomalies, while suggesting follow-on experiments. Scientists remain responsible for interpretation and experimental design.

## Sources

- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-09-agentic-ai-crops-harvest-critical.html)

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