Beyond a reference genome: pangenomes and population genomics of underutilized and orphan crops for future food and nutrition security.

ABSTRACT: Underutilized crops are, by definition, under-researched compared to staple crops yet come with traits that may be especially important given climate change and the need to feed a globally increasing population. These crops are often stress-tolerant, and this combined with unique and beneficial nutritional profiles. Whilst progress is being made by generating reference genome sequences, in this Tansley Review, we show how this is only the very first step. We advocate that going 'beyond a reference genome' should be a priority, as it is only at this stage one can identify the specific genes and the adaptive alleles that underpin the valuable traits. We sum up how population genomic and pangenomic approaches have led to the identification of stress- and disease-tolerant alleles in staple cro

SUBMITTER: Chapman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9994440 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature