The most impactful recent advances in life sciences technology include improvements in long-read DNA sequencing methods, computational approaches to genome characterization, and genome editing techniques. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have allowed the assembly and annotation of hundreds of plant genomes, while long-read sequencing has made many of these assemblies nearly complete. The well-annotated genomics information available for diverse plant species, from major and minor crops to wild relatives and model plant species, have engendered uniquely powerful tools to enhance our understanding of plants. Genome and transcriptome sequencing was found to be efficient in the identification of genes, in decoding metabolic pathways, and in understanding complex gene regulation at the molecular level. Apart from sequencing technology, recent advancements in statistical and computational approaches also contributed significantly in shaping plant genetics and the genomics field. Numerous genomics tools like genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), genomic selection (GS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Mut-map, QTL-seq, and methylome sequencing are being widely used in plant science research. These computational methods are being widely used in the plant sciences, because of the ease with which we generate enormously large populations that segregate for targeted traits, to reveal knowledge for human betterment through more sustainable agriculture. Instead of sequencing a single genotype representing a species, the availability of affordable NGS platforms makes it possible to sequence thousands of genotypes belonging to single species. Rice and soybean are excellent examples where over a thousand diverse genotypes have been sequenced and the information is being used for basic as well as applied research. Such resources can be efficiently used for many applications such as gene discovery and haplotype-based breeding. Similarly, the enhancement and broad utilization of genome editing, much of it now CRSPR-based, has started a new era of life sciences research. Integration of the whole array of technological advances, including the whole set of omics (e.g., proteomics and metabolomics) has encouraged multidimensional characterization and model building/testing from the full systems perspective. Tremendous quantities of precise information are being generated and made available through genomic resources. However, the gap between resource development and its exploration through translational research is continuously broadening. The major objective of this special issue was to focus on recent advancements in plant genetics and genomics, to thereby promote the exploration of knowledge for basic and translational research.
Details
Title
Editorial note on the special issue: “Research advances in plant genetics and genomics”
Authors/Creators
Robert Henry - The University of Queensland
Jeffrey L. Bennetzen - University of Georgia
Rajeev K. Varshney - Murdoch University, Food Futures Institute