Application
Agrigenomics
Agrigenomics examines genetic variations in plants, animals, and their microbial ecosystems to identify traits that boost productivity, disease resistance and climate resilience. Using techniques like genotyping and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) enables scientists to quickly identify molecular markers linked to these desirable traits. These insights power data-driven methods like Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), allowing breeders and farmers to develop stronger and more productive crops and livestock.
Agrigenomics Applications
Agrigenomics also studies plant and soil microbiome interactions, which directly affect nutrient availability and plant health. By combining these genetic insights into breeding strategies, agrigenomics helps breeders and farmers to make faster, data-driven decisions. This targeted approach improves agricultural species, supports food security, and strengthens the adaptability to environmental and economic challenges.
How Hamilton Supports Your Agrigenomics Workflow
Agrigenomics workflows include sample collection, Nucleic Acid (NA) extraction, genotyping or sequencing, trait association, selective breeding, and field testing. Laboratory automation is critical for the high-throughput demands of agrigenomics. Hamilton provides automation solutions that cover every critical step, including automated sample preparation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/ quantitative PCR / digital PCR setup, and NGS library preparation.
1
Sample collection
Sample collection in agrigenomics involves obtaining high-quality biological material, such as plant leaves and seeds or animal tissue and blood. Proper handling is essential to preserve DNA integrity for accurate downstream analysis. Hamilton automated platforms improve traceability with barcoding and sample tracking, reducing errors in large-scale agrigenomics projects.
2
NA Extraction
Hamilton offers dedicated workstations for automated sample lysis and NA purification across a range of extraction techniques. These systems are optimized for challenging tasks like plant DNA extraction, where contaminants or inhibitors can affect results. Visit our nucleic acid extraction application page for details.
3
Genotyping & Sequencing
Hamilton offers various workstations for fully automated PCR setup and NGS library preparation. This automation supports workflows for MAS and large-scale genotyping projects. Visit our genomics application page for more details.
4
Data Analysis
Data analysis in agrigenomics involves processing genomic data to identify genetic variants and molecular markers using bioinformatics tools. Data analysis supports workflows for MAS and large-scale genotyping projects.
5
Trait Association and Validation
Trait association and validation involve linking the detected genetic markers to phenotypic traits through methods like Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping.
6
Breeding
Implementing informed breeding strategies based on the insights of genetic analyses enables farmers and breeders to test and select individuals with the most desirable traits. By combining MAS with genome engineering techniques like Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), breeders can accelerate the creation of high-performance crop lines.
7
Field Testing
Evaluating genetically improved plants or animals under real-world environmental conditions helps breeders and farmers assess performance, stability, and trait expression and improve their breeding strategy in an iterative approach.
Explore our Agrigenomics Solutions and Applications in detail
Choose an outcome below to see personalized product recommendations.
The Hamilton Microlab Prep is an affordable liquid handler perfect for automating workflows. This entry-level liquid handler supports automated PCR setup and serial dilution.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Hamilton VANTAGE 2.0 is a cutting-edge liquid handling system with automated precision. Optimize workflows with the VANTAGE robot, all while boosting performance, safeguarding samples, and maximizing walk-away time. Discover the Hamilton VANTAGE liquid handler for your current & future needs.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso Q-Series
Verso Q-Series automated freezer storage systems allow you to spend less time managing your samples. Verso Q20, Verso Q50, and Verso Q75 automated ambient to minus 20°C freezers feature large storage capacities in extremely compact footprints.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso
Hamilton Verso is a modular compound management system for automated storage at temperatures from ambient to minus 20°C for high-throughput applications. This compound and sample storage system can easily be configured to meet your needs.
-80°C Sample Storage
SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
-80°C Sample Storage
BiOS
BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. With customizable size and capacity, this minus 80°C freezer can be scaled to fit your storage needs.
Automated workstation
BIOSPOT® Workstation
Specializes in microplate applications, achieving unparalleled accuracy in dispensing nanoliter volumes or compound screening and assay miniaturization.
Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STARlet
Compact and efficient, the entry-level NGS STARlet from Hamilton includes all the devices you need to automate sequencing library preparation of up to 24 samples at once with detailed precision, accuracy, and reliability.
Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STAR V
Automate NGS library preparation with the Hamilton NGS STAR V Assay Ready Workstation—optimized for demanding high-throughput genomic research.
Assay Ready Workstations
NGS STAR Line
Hamilton NGS STAR helps streamline next-generation sequencing in labs. Achieve full NGS automation for library prep, optimized for NGS assays and genome sequencing. Enhance efficiency, precision, and reliability in your workflows. Explore the Hamilton NGS STAR for seamless sequencing today!
Lab Syringes
Gastight Syringes
The solution for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquids. Hamilton Gastight syringes are equipped with a precision-machined PTFE plunger tip to create a leak-free seal.
Lab Syringes
Microliter Syringes
Hamilton Microliter syringes are ideal for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples not prone to glass bonding or precipitation. With a hand-fitted stainless steel plunger for frictionless movement and minimal wear, these syringes are designed to last.
Good to Know About Agrigenomics Workflows
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Useful Links
External resources not written by Hamilton but valuable for understanding the topic, such as industry guidelines, explanatory videos, or relevant tools.
| Webinar on Genomic characterization of animal genetic resources - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | Watch Video |
| Transforming Agriculture Webinar Series - U.S. Department of Agriculture | Visit Website |
| Collard, B. C. Y., & Mackill, D. J. (2008). Marker‑assisted selection: An approach for precision plant breeding in the twenty‑first century. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 363(1491), 557–572. | Read Article |
| Possamai, T., Scota, L., Velasco, R., & Migliaro, D. (2024). A sustainable strategy for marker-assisted selection (MAS) applied in grapevine (Vitis spp.) breeding for resistance to downy (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery (Erysiphe necator) mildews. Plants, 13(14), 2001. | Read Article |
Solutions for the Top 3 Challenges for Agrigenomics Workflows
Efficient plant DNA extraction
Challenge: Extracting DNA from plant tissues is complex because plant tissues contain metabolites and other inhibitors. Traditional DNA extraction methods using bromide (CTAB) are labor-intensive and prone to inconsistencies.
Solution: Hamilton Microlab STAR automates plant DNA extraction, using magnetic bead-based purification to deliver high-purity DNA with minimal manual intervention. The system ensures consistent yields across plant samples, making it ideal for MAS and genome engineering.
High-throughput Genotyping for MAS
Challenge: Identifying molecular markers for MAS requires precise genotyping, but manual PCR setup can be error-prone and inefficient.
Solution: Hamilton’s automated liquid handling platforms are your ideal companion for automating PCR setup, ensuring accurate pipetting of primers, guide RNA, and reaction components. This streamlines workflows for linkage mapping and large-scale genotyping.
Hamilton Microlab STAR V and Microlab Vantage platforms, featuring MagPip technology, offer the highest throughput for PCR sample preparation while ensuring rapid sample processing. This technology is well-suited for large-scale screening programs and agrigenomics consortia.
Availability of a High-throughput, Fully-automated, Open-access Platform
Challenge: Offering fully automated end-to-end solutions for workflows covering DNA extraction and MAS setup is beneficial in enabling technological advances for major breeders and farmers.
Solution: Hamilton’s Liquid Handling Workstations offer high flexibility in automation workflow and sample throughput, enabling a more efficient and highly scalable technological advancement.
How is Genomics Used in Agriculture?
Modern genomics drives agriculture by analyzing and improving crop and livestock DNA. By sequencing and studying genomes, scientists identify genes responsible for desirable characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content.
This knowledge facilitates MAS, where molecular markers linked to favorable traits guide breeding programs, accelerating the development of superior plant and animal varieties. Additionally, genomics facilitates an understanding of plant-microbe interactions, leading to sustainable agricultural practices and optimized crop yields.
Other Agrigenomics Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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