Genomic interventions for sustainable agriculture

Bohra, A and Chand Jha, U and Godwin, I D and Varshney, R K (2020) Genomic interventions for sustainable agriculture. Plant Biotechnology Journal (TSI). pp. 1-18. ISSN 1467-7644

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Abstract

Agricultural production faces a Herculean challenge to feed the increasing global population. Food production systems need to deliver more with finite land and water resources while exerting the least negative influence on the ecosystem. The unpredictability of climate change and consequent changes in pests/pathogens dynamics aggravate the enormity of the challenge. Crop improvement has made significant contributions towards food security, and breeding climate-smart cultivars are considered the most sustainable way to accelerate food production. However, a fundamental change is needed in the conventional breeding framework in order to respond adequately to the growing food demands. Progress in genomics has provided new concepts and tools that hold promise to make plant breeding procedures more precise and efficient. For instance, reference genome assemblies in combination with germplasm sequencing delineate breeding targets that could contribute to securing future food supply. In this review, we highlight key breakthroughs in plant genome sequencing and explain how the presence of these genome resources in combination with gene editing techniques has revolutionized the procedures of trait discovery and manipulation. Adoption of new approaches such as speed breeding, genomic selection and haplotype-based breeding could overcome several limitations of conventional breeding. We advocate that strengthening varietal release and seed distribution systems will play a more determining role in delivering genetic gains at farmer’s field. A holistic approach outlined here would be crucial to deliver steady stream of climate-smart crop cultivars for sustainable agriculture.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Research Program : Genetic Gains
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Genetic gains, Genome sequencing, Genomic selection, Gene editing, Speed breeding, Varietal turnover, Seed replacement
Subjects:	Others > Sustainable Agriculture Others > Genetics and Genomics
Depositing User:	Mr Arun S
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2020 09:08
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2020 09:08
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/11652
Official URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13472
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	AB and UCJ acknowledge support from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. RKV is grateful to Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India for awarding JC Bose National Fellowship. RKV thanks Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for partial support.
Links:	Google Scholar

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