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The role of pangenomics in orphan crop improvement

Author

Listed:
  • Haifei Hu

    (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Rice Science and Technology)

  • Junliang Zhao

    (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Rice Science and Technology)

  • William J. W. Thomas

    (University of Western Australia)

  • Jacqueline Batley

    (University of Western Australia)

  • David Edwards

    (University of Western Australia
    University of Western Australia)

Abstract

Global food security depends heavily on a few staple crops, while orphan crops, despite being less studied, offer the potential benefits of environmental adaptation and enhanced nutritional traits, especially in a changing climate. Major crops have benefited from genomics-based breeding, initially using single genomes and later pangenomes. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have enabled pangenome construction for several orphan crops, offering a more comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity. Orphan crop research has now entered the pangenomics era and applying these pangenomes with advanced selection methods and genome editing technologies can transform these neglected species into crops of broader agricultural significance.

Suggested Citation

  • Haifei Hu & Junliang Zhao & William J. W. Thomas & Jacqueline Batley & David Edwards, 2025. "The role of pangenomics in orphan crop improvement," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-55260-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55260-4
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