Genomics-Assisted Breeding

R.K. Varshney

In recent years, a truly impressive number of advances in genetics and genomics have greatly enhanced our understanding of structural and functional aspects of plant genomes. The complete genome sequences have become available for many crop species now. Due to advances in next generation sequencing technologies, it is possible to re-sequence mapping populations as well as germplasm collections in large numbers. In addition to routinely used linkage mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS) approaches, several novel genetic and genomics tools/approaches such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS), genomic selection (GS), functional genomics, etc. offer the possibilities to examine and utilize the structural as well as functional genetic variation in crop breeding. Holistic approach of enhancing the prediction of the phenotype from a genotype using genomics tools/approaches has been termed as 'genomics assisted breeding' (GAB) (Trends Plant Sci 10: 621 630). In fact, genomics assisted breeding has already shown its potential for crop improvement in several cereal species (Trends Biotech 24:490-499) and also in few legume species (Plant Breeding Rev 33:257-304). A critical assessment of the status and availability of genomic resources and genomics research in crop plant species and devising the strategies and approaches for effectively exploiting genomics research for crop improvement is the need of the hour (Nature Biotechnology 30:1172–1176). Genomics specialists having extensive experience in applying genomics in breeding from both public and private sectors share their experience and propose novel ideas in this workshop to use GAB in an efficient manner.

Genomics-Assisted Breeding

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