Integrating genomics and genome editing for orphan crop improvement: a bridge between orphan crops and modern agriculture system

ABSTRACT

Domestication of orphan crops could be explored by editing their genomes. Genome editing has a lot of promise for enhancing agricultural output, and there is a lot of interest in furthering breeding in orphan crops, which are sometimes plagued with unwanted traits that resemble wild cousins. Consequently, applying model crop knowledge to orphan crops allows for the rapid generation of targeted allelic diversity and innovative breeding germplasm. We explain how plant breeders could employ genome editing as a novel platform to accelerate the domestication of semi-domesticated or wild plants, resulting in a more diversified base for future food and fodder supplies. This review emphasizes both the practicality of the strategy and the need to invest in research that advances our understanding of plant genomes, genes, and cellular systems. Planting more of these abandoned orphan crops could help alleviate food scarcities in the challenge of future climate crises.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Climate change
• CRISPR/Cas9
• crop improvement
• domestication
• food security
• future crops

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Author contributions

HY, RAM, AT, and BAB conceived the idea. HY, RAM, AT, BAB, KAB, IBN, and AR, collected the literature and participated in writing. ID, PVVP, RAM and AR proofread and edited the final version. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The research in this paper is part of the projects of NIO in 2022: 451-03-68/2022-14/200032 (to I.D.) and Contribution No. 21-310-J and 22-178-J from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station (to PV. V.P.).