Unravelling sorghum functional genomics and molecular breeding: past achievements and future prospects.

Liu F, Baye W, Zhao K, Tang S, Xie Q, Xie P

Published: 23 July 2024 in Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao
Keywords: Design breeding, Domestication, Environmental adaptation, Genomic resource, Multi-omics, Sorghum, genotype-to-phenotype
Pubmed ID: 39053846
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.07.016

Sorghum, renowned for its substantial biomass production and remarkable tolerance to various stresses, possesses extensive gene resources and phenotypic variations. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis underlying complex agronomic traits is essential for unlocking the potential of sorghum in addressing food and feed security and utilizing marginal lands. In this context, we provide an overview of the major trends in genomic resource studies focusing on key agronomic traits over the past decade, accompanied by a summary of functional genomic platforms. We also delve into the molecular functions and regulatory networks of impactful genes for important agricultural traits. Lastly, we discuss and synthesize the current challenges and prospects for advancing molecular design breeding by gene-editing and polymerization of the excellent alleles, with the aim of accelerating the development of desired sorghum varieties.

Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities 77000-12240011
National Key Research and Development Program of China 2022YFD1500503
National Key Research and Development Program of China 2023YFD1200700
National Key Research and Development Program of China 2023YFD1200704
National Natural Science Foundation of China 32241038
National Natural Science Foundation of China 32241045
National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China 32201780
Shenzhen Postdoctoral Funding Project szbo202410