Agrigenomics refers to the study and application of genomics tools to agricultural crops. It involves applying knowledge from genomics and molecular biology to improve crop production, quality and sustainability. The field enables a deeper understanding of the genomes of important crops and livestock. This helps in developing crops with higher yield, better nutritional content, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and enhanced food quality traits. Agrigenomics uses tools like marker assisted selection, gene discovery and genome editing to make such improvements more efficiently and precisely.
Applications of Global Agrigenomics
Improving Crop Yields
Agrigenomics helps increase crop yields by identifying genomic regions and genes linked to yield. Global Agrigenomics assisted breeding is used to introgress these genes into elite varieties. For example, in rice agrigenomics has identified genes responsible for yield-related traits like panicle architecture, number of grains per panicle and biomass. Transferring these genes has led to 15-20% increase in yields.
Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Crops face losses due to stresses like drought, salinity, extreme temperatures. Agrigenomics discovers genes conferring tolerance to such stresses. For example, ABI3 gene from maize improves drought tolerance in rice. MicroRNAs and transcription factors regulating stress responses have also been identified. Genome wide association studies map genes controlling stress tolerance which are then incorporated using molecular breeding techniques.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Agrigenomics identifies genes providing resistance against diseases. For example, rice Xa21 and Xa26 genes confer resistance to bacterial blight. Cloned R-genes from tomatoes provide resistance to fungal and viral pathogens. Introgression of such genes through markers delivers new resistant varieties faster than conventional breeding. Genome sequencing of pathogens also reveals their virulence genes aiding development of durable resistance.
Nutritional Enhancement
Micronutrient deficiency is widespread affecting human health. Agrigenomics enhances crop nutritional quality. For example, genes for high iron and zinc content have been introgressed in rice and wheat varieties respectively. Golden rice with beta-carotene genes addresses Vitamin A deficiency. Nutritional enhancement leverages yields to precisely meet nutritional demands.
Applications of Global Agrigenomics
Precision Breeding Tools
Marker assisted selection and breeding revolutionized use of genes/QTLs in crop improvement. But efforts were constrained due to linkage drag. Genome editing now precisely incorporates traits. CRISPR-Cas9 precisely edits genes at specific chromosomal positions. It precisely knocks out genes conferring undesirable traits or knocks in genes of interest. This delivers new varieties more rapidly than conventional breeding. For example, the Crinkler gene that induces drought tolerance has been precisely edited into rice and wheat genomes.
Speed breeding
Conventional plant breeding is time consuming involving many hybridization and selection cycles. Speed breeding uses controlled environmental conditions (CO2 enrichment, continuous light) to complete multiple plant life cycles in a year. Combined with genomic selection, it can reduce breeding cycle durations from 12-15 years traditionally, to just 2-3 years. For example, CIMMYT halved wheat and maize breeding cycle duration to 2-3 years using speed breeding approaches.
Global Agrigenomics: Digital Agriculture
Agrigenomics data is leveraged by digital tools for precision agriculture. Sensors, drones and satellites monitor crop/soil conditions. Deep learning analyzes such imagery for early disease detection, moisture/nutrient stress identification etc. Genomic prediction models use trait and marker data to develop digital crop/variety selection advisories. Blockchain platforms help trace seeds/varieties Supporting Policies.
Agrigenomics is revolutionizing global agriculture through genomics assisted crop improvement. By enhancing trait precision and speed of delivery, it supports varietal development responsive to biotic/abiotic stresses of a changing climate and diverse agro-climatic zones, ensuring sustainable food security. Developing country collaboration and support will aid realizing genomics potential through open access datasets and tools. The future promises further genomic customization of crops precisely meeting location specific demands.
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