Genomic selection, gene editing and genetic engineering for drought tolerance in cereals

Publication date: 26/12/2022
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Rodomiro Ortiz, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden

Chapter synopsis: This chapter provides the state of the art on genomic prediction of estimated breeding values (GEBV) for selection (or genomic selection) as well as on the use of genetic engineering for both gene editing and transgenic breeding in main cereals crops. Genomic selection has been successfully used for breeding maize in drought-prone sites of Africa and Asia, while progress was noted for using GEBV for improving pearl millet, rice, sorghum and wheat germplasm. Transgenic maize-derived hybrids were released about one decade ago for growing in the US Corn Belt, and there are available transgenic rice and wheat germplasm though not yet released as new cultivars. Gene editing shows promising results for maize while research advances are noted in both rice and wheat. Combining genomic selection and gene editing may further elevate genetic gains while improving cereals crops for drought-prone environments elsewhere.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2022.0109.12