Integrative and inclusive genomics to promote the use of underutilised crops

Integrative and inclusive genomics to promote the use of underutilised crops

2024 | Oluwaseyi Shorinola, Rose Marks, Peter Emmrich, Chris Jones, Damaris Odeny & Mark A. Chapman
Underutilised crops are important for diversifying food systems. Their genomics should not be done in isolation but should align with breeding and capacity building strategies while leveraging advances in major crops. The genomics of underutilised crops has grown due to technological advances in genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation. Genomics has provided insights into the history and genetic architecture of these crops, including their domestication and climate resilience. Recent reviews highlight progress in underutilised crop genomics and broader use, policy, and ethical considerations. To maximise impact, genomic resources should align with breeding strategies and community needs. This includes selecting germplasm that reflects local demand and incorporating traditional knowledge into genomic screening. Genomic research should be inclusive, with capacity building in regions where underutilised crops are important. International collaborations are promoting inclusion and capacity building in genomics research on under-represented crops. Advances in major crops should be used to fast-track improvements in underutilised crops. Tools like genomic selection and speed breeding can accelerate genetic gains. Gene editing offers opportunities to improve underutilised crops, but challenges remain in transformation and licensing. Integrating genomics with physiology and biochemistry can enhance understanding of adaptation and metabolic traits. Underutilised crops are a reservoir of genetic diversity and have potential for food and nutrition security. Research into both underutilised and major crops can benefit each other. Sharing germplasm and digital sequence information is essential, and international policies on access and benefit sharing should be reviewed. The article concludes that underutilised crop genomics should not stand alone but should be integrated with other systems and disciplines to achieve food and nutritional security.Underutilised crops are important for diversifying food systems. Their genomics should not be done in isolation but should align with breeding and capacity building strategies while leveraging advances in major crops. The genomics of underutilised crops has grown due to technological advances in genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation. Genomics has provided insights into the history and genetic architecture of these crops, including their domestication and climate resilience. Recent reviews highlight progress in underutilised crop genomics and broader use, policy, and ethical considerations. To maximise impact, genomic resources should align with breeding strategies and community needs. This includes selecting germplasm that reflects local demand and incorporating traditional knowledge into genomic screening. Genomic research should be inclusive, with capacity building in regions where underutilised crops are important. International collaborations are promoting inclusion and capacity building in genomics research on under-represented crops. Advances in major crops should be used to fast-track improvements in underutilised crops. Tools like genomic selection and speed breeding can accelerate genetic gains. Gene editing offers opportunities to improve underutilised crops, but challenges remain in transformation and licensing. Integrating genomics with physiology and biochemistry can enhance understanding of adaptation and metabolic traits. Underutilised crops are a reservoir of genetic diversity and have potential for food and nutrition security. Research into both underutilised and major crops can benefit each other. Sharing germplasm and digital sequence information is essential, and international policies on access and benefit sharing should be reviewed. The article concludes that underutilised crop genomics should not stand alone but should be integrated with other systems and disciplines to achieve food and nutritional security.
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Understanding Integrative and inclusive genomics to promote the use of underutilised crops