Genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture

 

Re-written summaries by: Anuva Gajjar

Date Published: 7/20/2022

Original research links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33412425/

 

Introduction:

The study "Genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture" by Thudi et al. aims to examine the use of genomic resources in plant breeding, with the goal of developing sustainable agricultural practices. Plant breeding is a key component of sustainable agriculture, as it can help to improve crop yields, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and adapt crops to changing environmental conditions such as climate change. Genomic resources, such as DNA markers and genome sequences, can be used to identify the genetic variations that underlie these traits and to develop more efficient and effective breeding programs. The study aims to provide an overview of the current state of the art in the use of genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture, and to identify the gaps and challenges that need to be addressed in order to promote sustainable agriculture.

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Methods:

The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the use of genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture. They searched multiple databases such as PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Agricola, and included studies that were published in English and that examined the use of genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture. The studies were selected based on predefined criteria such as the use of genomic resources, the focus on sustainable agriculture, and the relevance of the study to the research question. The authors also examined the policies and laws that have been proposed or implemented in different countries in relation to the use of genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture.

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Results:

The authors found that genomic resources have been used to improve crop yields and to reduce the need for chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides. They also found that genomic resources can be used to adapt crops to changing environmental conditions, such as drought and high temperatures. They report that the use of genomic resources in plant breeding has led to the development of new crop varieties that are more resistant to diseases and pests, have higher yields and better nutritional quality. The authors also found that genomic resources can help to speed up the breeding process, which can be beneficial in a context of climate change and rising demand for food. They also found that the use of genomic resources in plant breeding can help to increase the genetic diversity of crops, which is important for the adaptation of crops to changing environmental conditions. They also found that the use of genomic resources can help to improve the efficiency and precision of the breeding process, and that it can help to reduce the need for chemical inputs and increase the resilience of crops to environmental stress.

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The authors also identified some of the challenges and gaps that need to be addressed in order to promote sustainable agriculture through the use of genomic resources. They noted that the availability of genomic resources can vary between different crop species and regions, which can limit the application of genomic resources in plant breeding. They also noted that the cost of genomic resources can be a barrier for some breeders and researchers, especially for those working in developing countries. They also emphasized that there is a need for more research on the long-term impact of the use of genomic resources on crop yield, quality, and resilience, as well as on the economic and social implications of the use of genomic resources in plant breeding.

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Conclusion:

Overall, the study by Thudi et al. provides a detailed overview of the current state of the art in the use of genomic resources in plant breeding for sustainable agriculture. The authors found that genomic resources have been used to improve crop yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs, and can also be used to adapt crops to changing environmental conditions. They also identified some of the challenges and gaps that need to be addressed in order to promote sustainable agriculture through the use of genomic resources. They recommend that policymakers, researchers, and breeders should consider these findings when developing strategies to improve the sustainability of agriculture and the food system.

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