Accessing genetic diversity for crop improvement

Accessing genetic diversity for crop improvement.

Vast germplasm collections are accessible but their use for crop improvement is limited-efficiently accessing genetic diversity is still a challenge. Molecular markers have clarified the structure of genetic diversity in a broad range of crops. Recent developments have made whole-genome surveys and gene-targeted surveys possible, shedding light on population dynamics and on the impact of select...

Barley genetic variation: implications for crop improvement.

Genetic variation is crucial for successful barley improvement. Genomic technologies are improving dramatically and are providing access to the genetic diversity within this important crop species. Diverse collections of barley germplasm are being assembled and mined via genome-wide association studies and the identified variation can be linked to the barley sequence assembly. Introgression of ...

Genetic Basis of Crop Improvement

Revolutionary discoveries in biology in the 1970’s and 1980’s fueled predictions of dramatic changes in agriculture and stimulated entrepreneurial excitement and investment. Driven by continuing advances in knowledge, technology, and commercial experience, these predictions are now being realized in the marketplace. Beginning in 1994, the first wave of products from biotechnological application...

Back into the wild—Apply untapped genetic diversity of wild relatives for crop improvement

Deleterious effects of climate change and human activities, as well as diverse environmental stresses, present critical challenges to food production and the maintenance of natural diversity. These challenges may be met by the development of novel crop varieties with increased biotic or abiotic resistance that enables them to thrive in marginal lands. However, considering the diverse interactio...

Crop Genetic Diversity and Rural Livelihoods