Evolutionary insights into plant breeding. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner-Hissong, Sarah D; Mabry, Makenzie E; Beissinger, Timothy M; Ross-Ibarra, Jeffrey; Pires, J Chris
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in plant biology. Volume 54(2020)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Plant molecular biology -- Periodicals; 571.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2020.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5266

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Population genetics can inform breeding strategies to increase genetic gain. Genomic regions with selective sweeps are promising targets to introgress diversity. Demography determines genetic architecture and deleterious load. Deleterious alleles can either be purged via selection or masked via hybridization. Gene editing enables rapid, precise introgression and de novo domestication. Abstract : Crop domestication is a fascinating area of study, as shown by a multitude of recent reviews. Coupled with the increasing availability of genomic and phenomic resources in numerous crop species, insights from evolutionary biology will enable a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture and short-term evolution of complex traits, which can be used to inform selection strategies. Future advances in crop improvement will rely on the integration of population genetics with plant breeding methodology, and the development of community resources to support research in a variety of crop life histories and reproductive strategies. We highlight recent advances related to the role of selective sweeps and demographic history in shaping genetic architecture, how these breakthroughs can inform selection strategies, and the application of precision gene editing to leverage these connections.