A recent study by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and international researchers has made a breakthrough in expanding crop diversity, shedding new light on the genetic factors that influence plant traits. The research focuses on the “pan-genomics” approach, which involves mapping genes across multiple species within a genus to identify desirable mutations.
The team, led by CSHL Professor Zachary Lippman, has sequenced dozens of complete genomes for plants in the Solanum genus, including tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. By analyzing these genomes, they discovered that understanding the evolution of “paralog genes” – those created through gene duplication – can help predict genome editing outcomes.
The researchers collaborated with experts from around the world to study paralogs and their impact on physical changes across species. One significant breakthrough came when they analyzed African eggplant, a tomato relative native to sub-Saharan Africa, which varies highly in fruit shape, color, and size. The team identified a previously unknown gene that affects fruit size in African eggplant, which has the same function as in tomatoes.
This discovery opens up new avenues for breeding crops with desirable traits, such as improved yield, flowering times, and food selection. By sharing knowledge and expertise between indigenous and major crop species, researchers aim to boost diversity and resilience in the food system – a win-win-win for scientists, farmers, and consumers.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cshl-global-collaborators-map-solanum-160100968.html